A quarter century after its inception, the Florida High Tech Corridor (The Corridor) has partnered with Orange County government to again drive regional economic development – this time with an eye toward industry diversification.
Called Cenfluence, the initiative is based on the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Regional Clusters concept and successful cluster models from around the world. Led by Jack Henkel, The Corridor’s program director for industry and regional diversification, and Senior Cluster Manager Amy Beaird, Ph.D., Cenfluence works in conjunction with Orange County’s economic development team. Their goal is to strengthen Central Florida’s economy and spur job creation beyond hospitality and tourism.
“Cenfluence enables us to bring resources and support to clusters poised for growth in our region,” said Henkel. “We want to leverage the existing talent, resources, and potential to support cross-cluster collaborations and new economic opportunities for technology companies in Central Florida. Within our first two months, we identified and connected our members with more than $1 million in opportunities.”
Initially, members may belong to one of four clusters: life sciences; learning sciences and human performance; gaming, entertainment and e-sports; and, energy and environmental sciences. Cenfluence has a goal for expansion to include more clusters in the future. Each cluster consists of at least one large anchor member and many smaller companies ranging from startups to growth stage. Each member has a Cenfluence adviser whose role is to understand the company’s goals and needs, and act as a navigator to help make the right connections.
The organization benefits from The Corridor’s relationships, particularly within the university system. It also works closely with Mark Spinoglio, an expert on economic clusters who maintains close ties to European clusters and will facilitate new business relationships for local companies with entities overseas.
Cenfluence’s efforts for its members are built around five strategic pillars.
1. Business support
Business support focuses on identifying and providing targeted business services that support the growth of cluster members. Weekly and monthly email newsletters keep members informed on opportunities, resources and important news. Eventually, webinars will bring outside organizations in to educate.
2. Research and development
The group aims to establish opportunities for collaborative R&D between industry and the research community created by the cluster environment. Drawing on The Corridor’s longstanding partnership with the University of Central Florida, the University of South Florida and the University of Florida, the Cenfluence team helps members navigate the university research ecosystem, build mission-critical relationships and secure funding such as matching grants.
3. Collaboration
Cenfluence strives to connect industry-specific opportunities based on synergies and economies of scale created through clustering. The team works like a matchmaker, helping members connect and build strong partnerships. It also helps identify and pursue opportunities to diversify offerings beyond the members’ primary market. For example, Talon Simulations’ core business focuses on developing virtual reality platforms for gaming venues like Dave & Buster’s, but when the pandemic shuttered entertainment venues, the company had to pivot. The Talon team uncovered an opportunity with the U.S. Air Force. Cenfluence will now help them make the most of the opportunity as they continue to pursue the defense market.
Collaboration is also fostered at working group meetings, where members come together for a roundtable discussion designed to problem solve and promote innovation. Working group topics include workforce needs, organizational development, manufacturing issues and market opportunities.
4. Innovation
Building on the navigator role, Cenfluence works to foster innovation through joint efforts between facilitators and industry created by the cluster environment. The team helps members look outside the cluster by identifying trial opportunities and pilot projects, such as connecting members with schools for STEM initiatives, or with the county to help solve local challenges. In fact, one of Orange County’s goals for the initiative is to better understand its native businesses so they can leverage local innovation to enhance the administration of public services.
5. Visibility
Cenfluence works to build international awareness and alliances, leveraging associated opportunities through cluster representation. In essence, the organization works as a surrogate public relations team, promoting successes at the local, regional and national levels. Building upon the team’s experience working and managing business relationships in the European market, Cenfluence will also ensure its four clusters have a global presence. Eventually, leaders hope to formalize this connection through membership in the European Cluster Collaboration. Closer to home, Cenfluence will participate in conventions held in Orlando, again working to identify opportunities for cluster members.
Take it from Talon Simulations CEO and Co-founder Brandon Naids who said, “Talon Simulations is grateful to have the opportunity to be a founding cluster member. We look forward to collaborating with other cluster members, expanding into additional sectors and obtaining access to additional resources within the Central Florida region. It is an exciting time to build a business in Orlando and this initiative will be sure to further aid in our growth by fostering innovation throughout the network and providing targeted business services.”
Cenfluence membership is free for the time being, thanks to grant funding from Orange County government. To be considered for membership, a business must operate within the Cenfluence service area (Orange, Volusia, Brevard, Polk, Lake, Osceola and Seminole counties) and conduct activities relevant to one of the four key clusters. For more information or to apply for membership, visit cenfluence.com.
