This program offers two local entrepreneurs an opportunity to present their startups to a diverse audience of mentors, advisors and entrepreneurs from the community.
Did you know?
You can now watch #1MCstp LIVE every week on Facebook!
Are you ready to start a new small business? This workshop will lead you through the steps you should take to be successful. Sign up for this workshop to learn a no-nonsense approach to starting a business with a higher chance for success.
If you are doing your ‘homework’ to start a business, you will definitely want to explore the different legal structures that are available to you. Your decision will affect what kinds of taxes you pay and who can be legally liable for a business dispute.
In this workshop, you will learn the advantages and disadvantages of each type so you can decide which structure best suits your needs.
Are you struggling to learn QuickBooks and know little about accounting? This workshop covers many of the common problems that small businesses encounter.
Please Note: This is an intermediate level workshop and previous experience is required. **SEATING IS LIMITED AND PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.**
Cox Media Group Cares Tampa Bay Small Business Initiative
Six-week program to provide $250,000 in radio and promotional advertising to businesses affected by the storm
While Tampa Bay was spared a direct hit by Hurricane Irma, many local businesses were still greatly impacted by the storm. Some were left without power, lost inventory, or even had to close their doors for days. Cox Media Group (CMG) announced it will launch its philanthropic initiative, Cox Media Group Cares Tampa Bay. With the generous support of sponsors, Cox Cares will help small businesses recover after Irma through marketing and promotional outreach.
Each Saturday between Oct. 21 and Small Business Saturday (Nov. 25), local companies will be featured on Cox Media Group radio stations. The businesses will receive free on-air, online and social media promotion throughout the week. The supporting station will also be on-site at each business location that Saturday. Cox Cares will provide assistance to more than 40 small businesses in the Tampa Bay area with approximately $250,000 in promotional support.
“CMG understands local businesses are an important part of our communities. The disruption from Hurricane Irma has greatly impacted these businesses. We are proud to help support them at a time when they need it most.”
-Keith Lawless, Vice President/General Manager for CMG Tampa.
Two graduates of our CBDI Program celebrated recently at Ribbon Cutting ceremonies led by Mayor Rick Kriseman and St. Petersburg ChamberCEO Chris Steinocher.
On Thursday, October 19th, owners Bruce and Andrea McWilliams commemorated the Grand Opening of Brea’s Coffee‘s first brick-and-mortar location in the Skyway Marina Mall. Originally, Brea’s Coffee began as a mobile coffee business, but their steady success has led to the opening of their own storefront in the Skyway Marina District.
Bruce McWilliams participated in the CBDI Program, attending the Ice House Entrepreneurship Program cohort in the fall of 2016.
As a local, family-owned business, Brea’s Coffee supports the community by giving back up to 30% of contributions from their community partnerships and fundraising efforts.
Exactly one week later, on Thursday, October 26th, another CBDI graduate, Renee Edwards, also celebrated with a Ribbon Cutting for her startup, Skin Kandii.
Skin Kandii is a St. Petersburg-based firm that manufactures and sells a line of all natural skin care products including body scrubs in natural scents. Last week’s ceremony marked the launch of Skin Kandii‘s products, now available for sale in the St. Pete Store & Visitor’s Center. Skin Kandii is the first African American-manufactured product line sold in The St Pete Store. By the holiday season, the products will be available for purchase at eight local retailers in St. Pete.
“This is a full-circle moment for me. The Chamber and City teams have been instrumental in elevating minority-owned firms like mine. I’m proud to be part of the first graduating class of their Community Business Development Initiative.”
-Renee Edwards, CEO of Skin Kandii, LLC
“Today, we celebrate another outstanding partnership between an entrepreneur and the City of St. Petersburg. I applaud Renee Edwards for her hard work and diligence, and her classmates in the first graduating class of the Community Business Development Initiative. My thanks to Renee for helping the sun shine on the St. Petersburg business community.”
The Greenhouse is your front door to business success!
TRAINING
CONSULTATION
LIAISON SERVICES
NETWORKING
SMALL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM
Our Purpose:
The Greenhouse is St. Petersburg’s front-door to business growth, providing business owners and entrepreneurs with the education, resources and assistance necessary to thrive in the local economy. Comprised of an expert team from the City of St. Petersburgand St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce, along with a wide network of partners, we are committed to the economic growth and development of St. Petersburg’s economy.
What are you waiting for? 
