Foundation & Early Growth
1913-1927

Orlando Board of Trade

Formed to promote the City of Orlando and originally called the Orlando Board of Trade, the organization established a prominent Chamber of Commerce building at 113 E. Central Avenue in 1927.

Expansion & Development
1927-2007

Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce

The Orlando Chamber of Commerce was instrumental in postwar growth, assisting with the establishment of local military bases and, by 1968, moving to a modern, architecturally significant building on Ivanhoe Boulevard.

The Orlando Chamber of Commerce played a part in creating an National Basketball Association (NBA) team for Orlando and, in 2003, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce named the Orlando Chamber of Commerce a Five-Star Chamber, the first chamber in Orlando to receive the title. 

Strategic Evolution
2007-2017

The Central Florida Partnership
&
Orlando Inc.

In 2007, the Orlando Chamber of Commerce executive board of the Board of Governors unanimously agreed to become a “strategic line of business” of America’s Newest Regional Partnership, the Central Florida Partnership

The organization evolved into Orlando Inc., focusing on diversifying the economy beyond tourism, supporting the high-tech Research Park, and advocating for transportation, including the expansion of Orlando International Airport (OIA).

As a combined organization, the Central Florida Partnership served civic and community leaders in Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole and Volusia counties and focused on generating support for SunRail, the regional commuter-rail system, and organizing “Project Hometown,” which helped cinch construction of a new downtown arena and the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center, and a planned renovation of the Citrus Bowl.

Growing the Region
1977-2016

Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission

Concurrently, the nonprofit Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission (MOEDC), initially known as the Economic Development Commission of Mid-Florida, Inc., was founded in 1977 to promote economic development across the four-county Orlando metropolitan region (Orange, Lake, Osceola, and Seminole counties).

For nearly 40 years the MOEDC played a pivotal role in expanding the region’s high-tech and simulation sectors, leveraging Orlando’s military heritage to attract defense and technology firms. 

Advancing Broad-based Prosperity
2017-Present

The Orlando Economic Partnership

In January 2017, after three years of extensive research and discussions, the boards of the Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC) and the Central Florida Partnership approved a merger to combine their resources and expertise, enhancing economic and community development efforts across Central Florida.

The Orlando Economic Partnership, the newly merged regional entity, integrated the EDC’s specialized focus on business recruitment and expansion with the Central Florida Partnership’s broader advocacy role, which encompassed the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Remaining a core component of the Orlando Economic Partnership and drawing on its more than 100-year history as a premier business support organization, The Orlando Regional Chamber offered exclusive tools, resources and programming to its members, with the goal of helping businesses connect, innovate and grow.

In 2023, the Orlando Economic Partnership was recognized as the National 2023 Chamber of the Year during the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives’ (ACCE) conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Today, the Orlando Economic Partnership retains ownership of the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce copyright and all rights reserved.

Orlando Tech Council / Orlando Tech Community: Timeline Highlights

This condensed timeline highlights key milestones in the Orlando Economic Partnership’s work to support the Orlando Tech Council (later renamed Orlando Tech Community) and broader regional innovation efforts.

2023–2026
Innovate Orlando and regional innovation leadership

Mar 5, 2026 — Orlando Economic Partnership announces transition of Innovate Orlando and appoints Sheena Fowler as Vice President of Innovation. Fowler returns to OEP to lead regional innovation initiatives, strengthen ecosystem partnerships, and support entrepreneurs and high-growth companies.

Jun 9, 2023 — OEP spins off Orlando Tech Community as Innovate Orlando. An independent organization launched in partnership with the City of Orlando and Orange County, Innovate Orlando unites and accelerate the region’s startup, tech, and innovation ecosystem to advance Orlando as the MetaCenter and execute the “Breakthrough Orlando” five-year plan.

2021–2022
Growth of programs, events, and community focus

Feb 8, 2023 — Orlando Tech Community Support Grant returns for a fourth year. The City of Orlando funds $65,000 in matching grants to support tech-focused events that connect and grow the local tech community.

Nov 17, 2022 — Orlando Tech Council becomes Orlando Tech Community with a more inclusive membership model. The updated structure lowers barriers to participation and reflects a more community-driven approach to supporting companies across stages.

May 11, 2022 — Orlando launches the MetaCenter™ campaign to highlight decades of advanced tech and immersive innovation. The MetaCenter positioning aligns with the region’s broader “Unbelievably Real” brand and elevates Orlando’s innovation narrative.

Feb 23, 2022 — Orlando Tech Council announces a new vision: “Addressing the Lifecycle of our Community.” The Council aligns committees to key growth stages—startup, growth, and enterprise—to better support companies as they scale.

Feb 17, 2022 — Synapse Orlando returns and OEP announces the first Orlando Digital Twin. The region’s flagship innovation conference brings the ecosystem together and spotlights next-generation tools to model real-time scenarios for planning and growth.

2018–2021
Launch of the Tech Council and early ecosystem-building

Oct 9–15, 2021 — Orlando Innovation Week launches as a regionwide celebration of tech and innovation. A week of events for founders, entrepreneurs, and technologists culminating in Synapse Orlando and the Immerse arts and culture festival.

Jun 18, 2021 — Orlando Inno launches to amplify startup and innovation stories. Developed with the Orlando Business Journal and Founding Partners including the Orlando Tech Council to spotlight people and companies shaping the region’s innovation economy.

Mar 5, 2021 — Orlando Tech Council leadership transitions to a new chair and expands early programs. The Council builds on its inaugural year and continues initiatives like Tech Connect to link innovative firms with larger companies seeking agile partners.

Dec 4, 2020 — Orlando Technology Community Support Grant Program returns for a third year. In collaboration with the Orlando Economic Partnership’s Orlando Tech Council, the City of Orlando again offers $65,000 in matching grants (up to $10,000) to support tech-focused events that unite the local tech workforce and community.

Dec 4, 2019 — Orlando Technology Community Support Program returns. In collaboration with the Orlando Economic Partnership, the City of Orlando again offers lump-sum grants up to $10,000 (total pool $65,000) to help develop tech-focused events that unite the local tech workforce and community.

Nov 4, 2019 — Orlando Economic Partnership forms the Orlando Tech Council. A cross-sector council launches to strengthen innovation resources, help companies scale, and elevate Orlando’s entrepreneurship and innovation profile.

Feb 1, 2019 — Orlando selected as the kickoff city for Revolution’s Rise of the Rest® Road Trip. The national tour spotlights emerging startup ecosystems and includes pitch competitions with seed funding for local startups.

Jun 5, 2018 — Applications open for Orlando Technology Community Support Pilot Program (tech-focused grants). The Orlando Economic Partnership, funded by the City of Orlando, accepts applications for matching grants up to $10,000 (pilot pool $65,000) to help develop tech-focused events that unite the local tech workforce and community.