Interoffice Memorandum
DATE: September 22, 2025
TO: Mayor Jerry L. Demings and County Commissioners
THROUGH: Roseann Harrington, Chief of Staff
FROM: Dennis Holste, Economic Development Administrator
CONTACT: Jessica Kinkle, Administrative Assistant
PHONE: 407-836-7366
DIVISION: Office of Economic, Trade and Tourism Development
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approval and execution of Orange County, Florida and Starter Studio FL Inc. FY 2026 Grant Agreement and authorization to disburse $167,843. (Office of Economic, Trade and Tourism Development)
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PROJECT: N/A
PURPOSE: The County has determined that there is a public interest for such activities/programs in order to support existing tech startups and other aspiring entrepreneurs desiring to start a tech business venture in Central Florida through education, mentorship, investment pursuits, and other activities conducive to Orange County’s economy. Starter Studio’s operations consist of highly skilled staff in technical assistance provision to startup tech and budding, aspiring founders. The programs they offer are targets to serving tech and tech-enabled startups at various early stages of development, from the earliest ideas to those seeking initial investments.
BUDGET: $167,843