1909

1909 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in downtown West Palm Beach. It supports entrepreneurs with coworking space, membership programs, mentoring, training and events, with the goal of helping people start and grow businesses in Palm Beach County. The organization is named for 1909, the year Palm Beach County was created.

1909 opened in 2018. It was co-founded by Danielle Casey, its founder and creative director. Shana Ostrovitz is executive director. Membership is open to startups, small businesses, freelancers and creative professionals. Members have included marketing agency Pathos, digital optimization agency Surefoot and the nonprofit Path to College. Partners include the Knight Foundation and Downtown West Palm Beach.

South Florida footprint: In May 2025, 1909 moved to a 9,000-square-foot space on the third floor of the historic Comeau Building at 319 Clematis Street. At that time, WLRN reported that the group had supported more than 1,000 members over seven years. In September 2024, Palm Beach County awarded 1909 a $250,000 grant, paid over two years. The money supports expanded programming, including a countywide “Scale Up” initiative for business owners in all 39 of the county’s municipalities.

Recent news: In May 2026, 1909 began a training series on artificial intelligence for entrepreneurs, focused on operational efficiency and cost savings. Casey told WFLX that some members are taking advantage of AI while others are “very unsure” about it, and that 1909’s role is to provide “access to mentorship, programs, and training that help founders build sustainable, successful businesses.”

Address: 319 Clematis Street, Third Floor, West Palm Beach, FL
Website: weare1909.org
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