University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program Companies on Colonial Drive Have Growth Spurt

ORLANDO, Fla. – The University of Central Florida’s Business Incubation Program on Colonial Drive seems to be bursting at the seams. But, according to Site Manager Melissa Wasserman; that’s a good thing. Wasserman said five of the incubator’s 16 companies hired a total of 10 new employees during March and April. The positions range from interns, administrative assistants and sales reps to drivers, event coordinators and computer specialists. “It is exciting to see our companies growing and hiring in a down economy. It increases morale in the Incubator. These entrepreneurs are beating the odds by working hard and growing smart. And it has a tangible impact on the local workforce as well,” she said. Growing Synergy, a sustainable food and agriculture consulting and distribution company, has hired five employees: a driver, an event coordinator, a communications intern, and two administrative assistants, and Lucid Technical Solutions, a technology staffing firm, welcomed two new sales reps. The other three companies, VGlobalTech, a professional web design, online marketing and brand building company; Multiplying talents, a company that assists with grant writing and non-profit status procurement; and Rogan Marketing and Communications, each brought one new employee on board during the two-month period. Company owners like Aretha Olivarez of Multiplying Talents are excited about their hew hires and the indication of an upward tick in the local economy. “Our company is steadily growing, and we needed an employee with IT skills to help us with the changes in our industry,” she said. Pamela Rogan of Rogan Marketing and Communications has hired a marketing assistant from Workforce Central Florida with hopes that he will become a permanent employee by the end of his three-month trial period in June. “This [the incubator] is not just office space,” she said. “It’s a place that provides ongoing support and that raises my comfort level, as well as meeting the requirements of the Workforce Central Florida program.” By hiring five new employees, Growing Synergy Managing Partner Rebecca Reis-Miller said it feels good to give back to the very community that she is trying to change by offering locally-grown foods. “Even though we’ve only made a small change in the unemployment rate, if we can bring just this small portion full circle, it will dramatically improve the synergy we strive to produce. “