MCO Business Event Welcomes Entrepreneurs, GOAA CEO

GOAA Board Chair Stephanie Kopelousos and GOAA CEO Lance Lyttle share a moment before MCO Means Business 2025 kicks off.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) hosted its popular and business-friendly event “MCO Means Business” today, setting a record for the number of registrations as more small business owners look for opportunities at one of the nation’s Top 10 airports.

Small business owners and others attend a workshop on the Concessions program at Orlando International Airport.

The event also served as an opportunity for new GOAA CEO Lance Lyttle to introduce himself to the Central Florida business community. Lyttle sat down for a half-hour interview where he discussed his education, career, future projects at MCO, and his beliefs about the importance of an airport’s role in a community.

“Airports have a higher moral purpose. It’s not just about moving people, bags and cargo, it’s also about creating economic wealth and prosperity for the region,” he said.

Lyttle received a warm welcome from the sports community as well. UCF Hall of Famer Shaquem Griffin, Orlando Magic executive Esu Ma’at, and Orlando City Founder Kay Rawlins each presented him with a custom jersey from their respective sports organizations.

The annual event, which was held at the Hilton Orlando and sponsored by GOAA’s Office of Business Opportunity & Exchange, had approximately 2,300 registrations. Previous years peaked at 1,500. Designed to assist small business owners, both developing and experienced, the free daylong event featured speakers, such as Mitch Mitchem, founder and CEO of HIVE; breakout sessions; and company “speed dating.”

GOAA Chair Stephanie Kopelousos delivered remarks that touched on the impact small businesses have on the community at large.

“Every time a partnership is formed, jobs are created. Every time we invest in opportunity, we are building a more resilient and more prosperous Central Florida. Because when small businesses succeed, our entire community and region succeed,” said Kopelousos.

GOAA’s BOeX connects local, small businesses to resources and contract opportunities at GOAA by providing solutions to current and future airport businesses, contractors, and consultants.

A video highlighting small businesses and their role in GOAA’s $14.4 billion-dollar impact to the region opened the program and can be viewed here.

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For more information, please contact the Office of Public Affairs at the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority at 407-825-2055 or email us at MCOPIO@goaa.org for further assistance.

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority is proud to operate Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), two of Florida’s premier air travel gateways. MCO is a world-class global connector, serving more than 57 million annual passengers across its three terminals, A, B and C. Connected to an Intermodal Terminal Facility that offers highspeed passenger rail service, Terminal C is an inventive structure that elevates the customer experience with 100% automated screening lanes at TSA checkpoints. ORL is conveniently located just miles from downtown Orlando and provides vital general aviation access to the heart of the region.