PBC BUSINESS | WINTER 2024
News + Events The New “Stephen M. Ross Emerging Scholars Program” Created By Related Company Makes $8m Gift THE STEPHEN M. ROSS Emerging Scholars Program at Palm Beach State College, created by Related Companies, announced an $8 million gift to support West Palm Beach students in grades 7-12 and follow students through their postsecondary education at Palm Beach State. The program was developed in partnership with the Foundation for Palm Beach State College led by Vice President of Institutional Advancement and CEO of the Foundation David Rutherford, who attended the ceremony. Stephen Ross and President Ava Parker
Forest Development Celebrates Topping Off Construction Milestone
FOREST DEVELOPMENT recently celebrated the topping off construction milestone Nautilus 220. This new luxury mixeduse development offers 330 condominium residences in two 24-story towers, waterfront restaurants including SeaHawk Prime by Chef David Burke, and retail and office suites alongside the Lake Park Harbor marina in the Palm Beaches. Nautilus 220 is over 80% sold with construction expected to be completed in Fall 2024.
1909 Supporting Entrepreneurs, Innovators and Startups
WHEN DANIELLE CASEY started her first business in 2012, she saw a void in the local market for entrepreneurs. Services she could have used—affordable workspaces, mentorship and business education—were nowhere to be found. Several years later, Casey noticed a trend where the Palm Beaches were losing talented individuals to what were considered "larger and more attractive" markets. This was partly due to the startup community lacking essential services. In response, she took action to address this issue. Casey founded 1909. Community is for “like-minded individuals who value collaboration, talent, integrity, grit, diversity and experimentation,” said Casey, 1909’s chief creative officer. Members pay low rent and have access to collaboration, mentorship—and a chance at success. “We’re here to create opportunities,” she said, “breaking the mold for those with big ideas but without financial freedom or family support.” 1909 companies have contributed to the creation of 224 jobs and $37 million in economic impact across the county. Executive Director Shana Ostrovitz calls its community impact and educational resources “pivotal…We are the catalyst for turning new business ideas into reality and propelling early-stage businesses to scale new heights.” Based on new space in the 1920s-era Comeau Building at 319 Clematis St., the design honors the history of the city and building. Ben Eleazer, associate director with Morning Calm Advisors, said partnering with 1909 drives so much impact in the areas of entrepreneurship, education and community in the city and has been “an incredible opportunity for Morning Calm.” Gaida Zirkelbach, co-founder and CEO of carbon accounting platform SustainaBase, said 1909 has been a big part of her success. She was in the first incubator program and today thrives while surrounded by like-minded owners in a space she says has “such a cool vibe.” “Entrepreneurship can be lonely,” she added. “It can be difficult, with ups and downs every day. Once you check [1909] out, you realize why you need it.” “1909 is not just a space,” Casey said. “It’s a vibrant network defying norms and making the entrepreneurial journey less isolating and a hell of a lot more enjoyable.” To learn more, visit www.weare1909.org.
WINTER 2024 | PBC BUSINESS 13