As I’ve been exploring and promoting local businesses through my Instagram account, @CassGoAroundDaytona, the past few years, I have come to a newfound enjoyment of ribbon cutting ceremonies. It’s so wonderful to see an entrepreneur’s community come around them and celebrate a new business venture! I love the idea of throwing a party for someone when they’ve made a big decision to invest in themselves and the greater Daytona Beach area.

While I do not have the official business growth numbers from any of the local chambers, I feel like there has been rapid growth, especially with the opening of three, much-anticipated newcomers during just the week of February 19th: Costco, Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure, and Workspace Collective.

Our own writer, Mimi, wrote about the Daytona Aquarium (1008 W. ISB) in last month’s magazine and most people are familiar with Costco (150 Pit Rd.) as a national chain. Workspace Collective had their ribbon cutting ceremony (pictured below) on February 20 at their location of 132 W. International Speedway Blvd. This location has a rich history of being a former radio station, and more recently, the first home of Daytona Beach’s “selfie studio,” Studio 85. They have opened the space in the building to house open desks for coworking, individual offices to rent, a podcast studio, and a well-stocked community kitchen.

Folks came from all over town and even out of town, like Orlando and Ocala, to see the ribbon cut for Workspace Collective. This is the same experience I’ve had taking part in these ceremonies for businesses like Midtown Café (536 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd., Daytona Beach) and Fern & Fable Books (now located at 51 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach). But I’ll never forget the grand opening of Tango’s (600 S. Yonge St., Ormond Beach) as business owner, Nick, proposed marriage to his girlfriend right before the ribbon was cut!

While no ribbons will be cut, we’ll lastly see new businesses popping up this spring when two Kid Entrepreneur events take place in Daytona Beach in March! On Saturday, March 23, Campbell Middle School (625 S. Keech St.) will be hosting an Entrepreneurship Conference Showcase between 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Across town, the Riverfront Esplanade (249 N. Beach St.) will be hosting another Children’s Business Fair from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., which my eldest daughter will take part in.

I’m excited to see the creativity from all these young students and look forward to seeing the continued growth of new businesses around our area! Make sure you all invite me to your ribbon cutting ceremonies so I can cheer you on!