UCF Business Incubation client uses opportunity to find potential clients, investors and partners – along with helping shape legislation
Eustis, Fla. (April 14, 2025) — While some businesses want to stay away from politics, others understand how being involved in the legislative process can help a business grow in ways beyond government.
Working with other companies in coalitions that have similar objectives can help find new partners, advocates and investors as you would with any marketing effort.
That’s why Upaya Health recently traveled to Tallahassee with the newly formed MAHA Florida Coalition for Health Freedom.
“Upaya Health’s primary goal was to advocate for the inclusion of naturopathic practices and natural medicine within healthcare policies,” says James Costa, CBDO, Upaya Health. “Like our recent booth at the American Academy of Dermatology, it helps to position Upaya Health as the trusted CBD brand.”
Upaya Health’s main goal is to research, develop and produce natural CBD products with nanoparticles to increase their effectiveness. Part of that is helping create a community of people and groups who believe that healthcare using plants and other natural materials can be superior.
That’s why coalitions like the one Costa traveled with to Tallahassee are important.
While there, Costa was able to accomplish multiple goals, including:
- Meeting with several supportive naturopathic doctors who align with Upaya Health’s products and approach.
- Receiving positive feedback on how Upaya complements curative medicine practices, which is a significant industry to be included.
- Gaining contacts from doctors across Florida interested in running pilot programs.
- Meeting with senators and representatives who support its cause.
- Opening doors for distribution opportunities in Florida.
“Building a network of potential partners, customers and more is key for any business that wants to grow,” says Carol Ann Logue, director, Innovation Districts Programs & Operations, University of Central Florida. “Whether that’s with political coalitions or from the local chamber, those connections are vital for a young company’s future success when it finds the right group.”
Of course, the success of these trips is highly dependent on the follow-up after everyone returns to their homes and businesses.
“We are actively maintaining communication with the contacts made, focusing on educational workshops and presentations that demonstrate how CBD fits within the curative and preventive care models,” Costa says. “Additionally, we will continue advocating for policies that support natural medicine and patient choice, building partnerships with practitioners who share our vision.”
Upaya Health is a client of the Lake County/Eustis Business Incubator.
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UCF Business Incubation Program: Alan Byrd, Alan Byrd & Associates, 407-415-8470, Alan@ByrdConnections.com
About Upaya Health: Upaya is on a mission to transform the world of medicine. Upaya endeavors to create only natural formulations that maximize one’s well-being with high quality CBD and is embarking on transformational nanoparticle R&D to improve the human condition. In short, we are striving to empower people to live their best lives. Visit UpayaHealth.com/ for more information.
About the UCF Business Incubation Program: The University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program is a community resource that provides early-stage companies with the tools, training and infrastructure to become financially stable, high-growth/impact enterprises. Since 1999, this award-winning program has provided vital business development resources resulting in over 300 local startup companies reaching their potential faster and graduating into the community where they continue to grow and positively impact the local economy.
With nine facilities throughout the region, the UCF Business Incubation Program is an economic development partnership between the University of Central Florida, the Corridor, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia Counties, and the cities of Eustis, Kissimmee, Orlando and Winter Springs. In 2023, current incubator clients supported over 1,000 employees and generated over $120 million in revenue. Nineteen companies graduated from the program and remained in the local community. For more information, visit www.incubator.ucf.edu
