| $80 million Pinellas Employment Sites Program accepting applications for target industry employers hoping to create new jobs and expand their footprints in Pinellas County |
| – Supporting the construction, expansion or the rehabilitation of office and industrial buildings will allow employers to expand and create jobs – The application period for funding will open for 30 days beginning June 2, 2021 – Pinellas Employment Sites Program (ESP) application details are available at PCED.org/esp – Employers asked to help identify capital projects for funding through Penny for Pinellas Pinellas County’s Employment Sites Program (ESP), supported by Penny for Pinellas funding, will begin accepting applications for funding on Tuesday, June 2, 2021. The program funding period will be open for 30 days, and application details are available at PCED.org/esp. This Pinellas County program can assist in the construction or redevelopment of industrial (manufacturing & flex) and office buildings that provide growth opportunities for target industry employers hoping to create new jobs and expand their footprints to remain in Pinellas County. The ESP program has been designed for developers as well as businesses who wish to construct or significantly redevelop office and industrial buildings within Pinellas County. The first round of Employment Sites Program funding, launched in January of 2021, garnered proposals that hope to create over 216,000 sq. ft. of new industrial space and 120,000 sq. ft. of redeveloped offices. “We were extremely pleased with the initial responses from local employers and developers willing to build and rehabilitate manufacturing, industrial and office space in Pinellas,” shared Teresa Brydon, Manager of the Pinellas County Employment Sites Program. “With our next round of funding, we’re hoping to create even more opportunities for high-wage job creation in our community.” Pinellas County voters approved the use of the Penny for Pinellas sales tax funding for economic development capital projects and affordable housing in 2017. A Joint Review Committee made up of County and municipal staff developed guidelines for the spending of these funds. In December 2019, the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners approved the guidelines. The Penny IV Countywide Affordable Housing and Economic Development Capital Project Funds are to be utilized to facilitate economic development and strategic investments in the local economy while also supporting the expansion of affordable housing. The program demonstrates the County’s commitment to support economic development and facilitate the growth of the local economy through partnerships with local municipalities and the private sector. More information on affordable housing funds can be found here: https://www.homesforpinellas.org. ### Pinellas County Economic Development (PCED) works with existing businesses to encourage expansion and seeks to attract new companies with high-wage careers to our community. Through investment tools, business classes, professional consulting services, trade missions to open new markets, and strategic partnerships, PCED fosters a pro-business environment and promotes the ideal business climate of Pinellas County, Florida. |