Market Engine
The Market Engine is FSIC’s commercialization and business‑readiness platform, helping local companies enter aerospace and defense supply chains, win contracts, and scale new ventures. It provides supplier‑readiness training, certification support, SBIR/STTR navigation, startup acceleration, and direct connections to buyers, primes, and investors.
By aligning business support with regional industry demand, the Market Engine increases contract wins, strengthens local companies, attracts new employers, and ensures Southeast Volusia businesses can compete and grow in the space economy.
Market Engine Components
Supplier Readiness & Certification Support
Training and guidance that help local companies meet the requirements of aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing supply chains. This includes support for quality systems, compliance, and key certifications that unlock new contract opportunities.
SBIR/STTR Navigation & Federal Funding Pathways
Hands‑on assistance helping startups and small businesses pursue federal innovation funding. This includes topic scouting, proposal guidance, partner matching, and pathways into NSF, DoD, NASA, and other agency programs.
Startup Acceleration & Venture Support
Programs that help founders validate markets, refine business models, build teams, and access mentors and investors. This support strengthens early‑stage companies and increases the number of scalable ventures in Southeast Volusia.
Contract Matchmaking & Industry Connections
Direct connections between local suppliers and regional buyers, primes, and government partners. These relationships open doors to new contracts, partnerships, and long‑term business growth.
Business Growth Services & Technical Assistance
Targeted support that helps companies expand capacity, adopt new technologies, improve operations, and prepare for larger contracts. This strengthens the competitiveness of local firms across the region.
Investment & Capital Access Pathways
Connections to venture capital, angel investors, state programs, and federal funding opportunities. These pathways help companies secure the resources needed to scale and compete in the space and advanced technology sectors.