1909

A full-circle success story at 1909! We’re all about empowering early-stage entrepreneurs to grow, thrive, and eventually make an impact on our community and beyond. One of the standout examples of this is SustainaBase, a company that has been with us since the beginning and just reached an incredible milestone: they were recently acquired by ISS-Corporate, a global leader in corporate sustainability solutions. Read article: https://lnkd.in/exyxwBWT

Join us for the next 1909 Founder Speaker Series event on Tuesday 10/8 at 5:30pm, featuring Shirah Benarde and Michael Benarde, Co-Founders of Nightcap. Featured on Shark Tank in 2021 and Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2024. Nightcap has collaborated with over 150 universities to combat drink spiking with their innovative hair scrunchies, which are also sold in Forever 21 stores. Moderated by Jessica Krupa, 1909 Member and Founder of Panty Promise. $25 (free for 1909 Members) Light bites + Beverages Included RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/eJYsvQam

1909 has officially been awarded our largest grant to date; a game-changing $250K! After a year and a half of relentless effort, countless meetings, and what felt like mission impossible, this funding will allow us to expand our programming beyond the Accelerator stage, filling a critical gap in Palm Beach County. No longer will businesses need to leave our market or face closure due to a lack of support. We’re building the future right here! A huge thank you to Commissioner Gregg Weiss for initiating this incredible support and believing in the power of our entrepreneurial community. "1909 has emerged as a beacon of innovation and entrepreneurship in Palm Beach County. By providing mentorship, resources, and a collaborative community, 1909 is empowering the next generation of business leaders and creators. Their work is vital in diversifying our local economy and positioning Palm Beach County as a hub for cutting-edge ideas and businesses. I am convinced that the ripple effects of their efforts will be felt in our community for years to come, and that’s why I’m delighted that we were able to support them with these funds." - Greg Weiss And thanks to our Palm Beach County Commissioners Mack Bernard, Marci Woodward, Maria Sachs, Sara Baxter, Michael A. Barnett Esq. —your votes of support mean the world to us. Thank you to Rebecca DeLaRosa for championing this effort along side our leadership team and for your continued support over the years. This is more than just a win for 1909. It’s a win for every entrepreneur, creator, and small business in our community. We’re shaping Palm Beach County into a hub of innovation, and the ripple effects of this grant will be felt for years to come.

What a night!  On Tuesday night we kicked off to our annual Founder Speaker Series and it was a huge success, featuring an insightful and inspiring conversation with Jonathan Packer, Co-Founder of G.O.A.T. Foods and our awesome moderator, 1909 Member Jeremy Pelley. From scaling D2C snack brands like Pretzels.com & Licorice.com to navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the energy in the room was electric! Looking forward to the rest of this series. Up next: On September 24th, hear from Max Ringelheim, Co-Founder of viral Hoverboard brand PhunkeeDuck On October 8th hear from Shirah Benarde and Michael Benarde, Co-Founders of Nightcap, created innovative hair scrunchies that double as drink covers to prevent drink tampering. Featured on ABC’s Shark Tank in 2021 and Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2024. On October 22nd, hear from elisa marshall, Co-Founder of Maman NYC, a beloved café, restaurant, and event space with multiple locations across New York City, New Jersey, Toronto, Montreal, Miami, and soon, West Palm Beach at CityPlace. On November 12th, hear from Diane Hessan, Founder and Chairman of CSpace, (formerly Communispace), the first company to leverage social media to help companies get insight and inspiration from their consumers. $25/per event Free for 1909 Members Grab your tickets/RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/eXpaiHaA

Join us for five fireside chats where you’ll gain invaluable insights from entrepreneurs who have turned challenges into opportunities and built scalable businesses. Learn from those who’ve walked the path before you, and discover the connections and resources that can fuel your own success. First up: Jonathan Packer, Co-Founder of G.O.A.T. Foods, who’s rapidly expanding the snack and confectionery market with brands like Licorice.com and Pretzels.com. Moderated by 1909’s own Jeremy Pelley, this is one conversation you won’t want to miss! Secure your spot now—because the wisdom shared here could be the game-changer you need. Special thanks to Holland & Knight LLP for sponsoring this series! 📅 Date: September 10th 💡 Featured Speaker: Jonathan Packer 🎤 Moderator: Jeremy Pelley $25/event or $100/series (free for 1909 Members) Tickets/RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/eweykWau

Introducing our 2024 Accelerator Cohort! Meet The Founders - https://lnkd.in/ehpXkUNy

Shout out to Jeff Perlman and The Carl Angus Desantis Foundation for their support around our expanded programming to further support next stage Palm Beach County Entrepreneurs. "Sitting on all those economic development board for all those years I understoof the need to 'chase smokestacks' so to speak. Luring companies to your community has its place, although I was always wary of incentives. I believed we should build cities that would attract people and companies because they were great places to live, work and play - not because CEO's could avoid taxes or they were given oodles of cash to be here. That doesn't sound sustainable to me.' "I've always preferred what they call 'economic gardening' - let's grow our own! Let's support our dreamers, celebrate them and help them succeed. They won't leave if we care for them and create communities where they find what they need to succeed." "1909 is doing this and it well." Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dcjShpcA

Join us for a series of five casual, insightful fireside chats designed to educate and inspire early-stage entrepreneurs, agency founders, and small business owners aiming for growth. The series will feature accomplished Founders who have carved their own paths, navigated challenges, and built scalable businesses. We'll showcase founders from various backgrounds and industries, each offering a unique perspective on success. Learn from those who achieved their goals through hard work, grit, teamwork, and leveraging the resources around them. Featured speakers will discuss their startup experiences and the key connections and resources that supported their growth. $25 per event or save $25 by purchasing the 5-series package for $100 Buy Now: https://lnkd.in/eweykWau Thank you to Holland & Knight LLP for sponsoring this series. Jonathan Packer, Max Ringelheim, Shirah Benarde, Michael Benarde, elisa marshall, Diane Hessan, Monique Kandou Fabio, Danielle Casey, Shana Ostrovitz, Bill Shepherd, Nicholas Mohnacky, Linda Andrews, Calvin Cheong

We're launching our first-ever Pitch Series at 1909! Inspired by our Crowdfunding & Cocktails event, we saw a real need to boost our public speaking and pitching skills. We handpicked 10 amazing members from our programs to join this 5-week journey! Kicking off this Tuesday with the incredible Melissa Boher Jacobson 🎤 July 30th: Session 1 - Maximize public speaking confidence and minimize speaking stress. Melissa will guide us through the Myth of Stagefright™️, the Biology of Adrenaline™️, and her Five-Step Pre-Speaking Process™️ to ensure we're always confident and impactful in our pitches and presentations. Shoutout to Aaron Nosbisch, 1909 Member and Founder of BRĒZ, for supporting this series with his Crowdfunding & Cocktails pitch competition earnings!

Summer Promo! Save $300 on a Dedicated Desk! Desks at 1909 are typically $350/mo. but if you apply before 6/28, you can lock in this promo for $250/mo with a 3 month contract (July-September.) Includes - desk, ergonomic chair, filing cabinet, wifi, unlimited printing, business address, conference room, showers and lockers, unlimited hot coffee & cold-brew, access to all digital and in-person events. Apply Now: https://lnkd.in/e68b-vUU