Orange County Grants $100k to FireSpring Fund


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Today, the Orange County government unanimously approved a grant of $100,000 to the FireSpring Fund which will provide critical funding for tech-related start-ups in the Region.  Executive Director, Donna MacKenzie, shared with the Commission how FireSpring will ultimately benefit the community by creating an environment where innovative ideas and entrepreneurs can thrive.

MacKenzie was joined by Echo Interaction Group’s CEO, Carlos Carbonell, who shared his own experience growing a business in the Orlando community.  “Echo started as a small tech company in Orlando and has thrived through the support of the tech community, and as the President of the Orlando Tech Association, I see many early-stage businesses that could greatly benefit from the support of FireSpring in order for their ideas to succeed” said Carbonell.

Eric Ushkowitz, Orange County’s Economic Development Administrator of Orange County, voiced the County staff’s recommendation for the grant.  “As a local government, we try to provide support for entrepreneurs and startups through funding of programs that will provide the necessary resources to help start, grow and sustain businesses,” said Ushkowitz as quoted by the Orlando Tech Association

Similar funds have been established throughout the Country and have achieved significant benefits for the surrounding communities.  FireSpring is expected to bring tax benefits to the County along with an attractive highly-skilled workforce.  MacKenzie shared with the commission examples of companies that have started in the area but eventually left because of the lack of critical funding and talent.

Echo is very proud to support the efforts of the FireSpring Fund.  The first round of participants is expected in early 2016.