Where do you go when you’re a young innovator just getting started in your career—and you have a great idea that will surely change aviation for the better? You go where you can get support—and funding, if you’re lucky.
The Aerospace Center of Excellence (ACE) at the Lakeland Linder International Airport (KLAL) fosters innovation and education through a number of programs and outreach. Latest among those programs is the Elevate Aerospace & Logistics Incubator opening in Hangar A on the grounds of the Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo.
“Every time we go through [Central Florida Airspace Academy], we talk to the students and they all have business ideas,” said Rick Garcia, ACE board chairman, at the soft launch of the building on Wednesday at the 2022 Expo. “They all say, ‘How do I get from here to there? How do I move a business plan? How do I network? How do I find mentors for my project?’ And most importantly, the one thing that almost everyone through the door asks is, ‘How do I finance that?’”
The answer lies in Elevate, which in its initial stages comprises a coworking and collaboration space where members can gather to share ideas, brainstorm, meet with mentors, and propel business plans forward.
A Super Cool Incubation Space
Eric Crump, aerospace program director at Polk State College and board member for Elevate, walked through the new space—still waiting on furniture in anticipation of its grand opening in June. He pointed out unique elements of the space intended to percolate innovations.
“We actually want you to write on the walls—it’s a good thing.”
Eric Crump, aerospace program director at Polk State College and board member for Elevate
One of those features? The collaboration rooms are painted with dry-erase paint, so that members and mentors are encouraged to literally write on the walls. “A dry erase board is just too limiting to me,” said Crump. “It has a box around it.”
“We actually want you to write on the walls—it’s a good thing.”
Other spaces are set up to host meetings both in-person and virtual, formal conference-style and informal “shoot the breeze on the couch.” Members can move between spaces as needed—there are no levels of membership.
How Does It Work?
Speaking of which, Crump walked through the initial pricing:
- Virtual membership: $50/month
- Open coworking: $100/month
- Dedicated desk: $150/month
- Private office: $250/month
Scholarships will be available for students—they wish to attract members ages 16 and up. For more information, on both mentorship and member opportunities, visit the site.
