| January 2023 View as Webpage2022 Annual ReportPinellas County has always been integral to the economic success of the Tampa Bay region and beyond. From our robust manufacturing base and flourishing tech sector, to record low unemployment rates, this past year, as One Pinellas County, we delivered a business-friendly environment, assistance with business growth, new manufacturing space and good jobs for our most valuable asset – our people. We proudly present this Annual Report to share the details of our hard work and resulting success.View the full report online here. Employment Sites Program Applications Open Until Jan. 17, 2023Pinellas County’s Employment Sites Program has opened its fourth round of funding, with applications available at PCED.org/ESP. Pinellas County has committed funds in excess of $80 million to assist in the construction and redevelopment of industrial (manufacturing & flex) and office buildings in order to facilitate a strong and robust local economy that provides growth opportunities for existing businesses and attracts new target industry employers to Pinellas County. The program assists in funding gaps in capital expenditures related to the development/redevelopment of a building.Find details and a link to the online application portal at PCED.org/esp. All applications must be received by 4:00 p.m. on January 17, 2023. Woman-Owned Business a Popping Success Lenore Holz spent 10 years running a seasonal lemonade stand before deciding she wanted to shift into a business with a more suitable kitchen and workspace, and a product with a longer shelf life and creative appeal. She now owns and operates two locations, along with Urban Popcorn Food Truck, allowing for two separate streams of revenue. Salty Sisters Gourmet Popcorn sells approximately 30 fun and unique flavors at a time, and with its two locations in Treasure Island and Madeira Beach, it has become a staple in Pinellas County. Knowing that she would need support along the way, Holz reached out to the Florida SBDC at Pinellas County Economic Development for assistance. This allowed her to grow the business with the support of business consultant Debra Schweikowsky at no cost. “I was able to take my business to the next level with the help of Deb at the SBDC at [PCED],” Holz said. “She helped me with financing, with marketing, and staffing issues.” Read more of this story here. Where Does It Go? Search Tool Provides Businesses with Disposal Options for Over 100 Materials  Does your business ever wonder what the best way of getting rid of something is? Does it need guidance for proper disposal of potentially hazardous wastes? The Pinellas County Department of Solid Waste (PCSW) manages the Where Does It Go? Search Tool which offers guidance and local resources for reuse, recycling, and disposal. It is a searchable database that connects you to the right donation centers, recycling facilities, online take back programs, licensed hazardous waste transporters, and more.How do you use the Where Does It Go? Search Tool? 1. Access the search tool by visiting Pinellas.gov/wheredoesitgo2. Select “For Businesses” on the tool’s main page. You will then be taken to a search bar3. Within that search bar, type the name of the item or material your business needs to get rid of (i.e., paint, dirt, aerosol cans, etc.)4. Click “Search” and you will be presented with a list of options and guidance for your business to get rid of that item Use this helpful search tool to find out how to properly get rid of many different items used by your business! Questions? Contact the Business Waste Assessment section at bwa@pinellas.gov or (727) 464-7500. Transportation Forum & CEO Roundtable, Feb. 4 This will be a forum for CEO’s to exchange views on the transportation industry, network, and establish strategic relationships for business leads and opportunities. Featured speakers include: Yolanda Goodloe, PTAC at Pinellas County Economic Development; Orlando Dorsey, FrankCrum; Pat Mack, PVMIT; and Dr. Loretta Caldwell-Thompson, CMS.1:15 to 2:45 p.m. PTEC St. Petersburg Campus, Room A901 34th St SSt. Petersburg, FL Register at https://conta.cc/3v3zKto Florida Venture Capital Conference, Feb. 8 – 9 in Miami  One of the largest venture events in the US, the Florida Venture Capital Conference boasts more than 600 attendees, including 200+ active venture investors. Apply to pitch, participate in networking events, and/or learn more about venture capital. Sponsorships are also available. Visit https://flventure.org/2023-florida-venture-capital-conference to learn more.Small Business Boot Camp 2.0: Feb. 15 – 16  SOFWERX, in coordination with the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP), will provide a forum for small businesses with technologies that support National Security Interests and/or the SOCOM technology interest areas to learn more about doing business with SOCOM. Additionally, the second day of the event will provide an opportunity for small business engagement with government stakeholders and investors in the form of “Speed Dating” and a “Pitch Day.” Learn more and register at https://events.sofwerx.org/sbbc2-0/.SBA and the Florida SBDC Network Launch Pilot Initiative to Help Businesses with Appeal Process The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Florida Small Business Development Center Network (SBDC) announced a new pilot program geared toward helping businesses qualify for SBA disaster loans. The pilot program will re-examine the applications of businesses that did not meet approval qualifications and were declined for an SBA disaster loan. Those who applied for a disaster loan for Hurricane Ian and were not approved are encouraged to visit our SBDC office to review their application and ensure that all the documents are correct and ready for re-submission to be approved. Businesses that have not yet submitted an SBA disaster business loan application, may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/ under SBA declaration # 17644.News LinksCatalyze 2023: Cynthia Johnson, Pinellas County Economic DevelopmentDavid Habib of Yo Mama’s Foods reflects on a year like no otherOut of Tampa Bay, former Tesla exec is betting on electric boatsFlorida jobless rate down to 2.6 percent3D furniture-printing company opens St. Pete HQCoke Florida opens new $10 million facility to better serve associates, customers, and the community of Pinellas CountyWomen-focused healthtech startup in St. Pete closes $2.6M roundCoke Florida opens new sales, distribution facility in St. PetersburgTampa Bay Innovation Center accelerator helps startups working on climate change solutionsPinellas approves $38M yacht venture near St. Pete-Clearwater airportTampa Bay’s GDP grew $16.5B from 2019 to 2021, outpacing Florida, U.S.St. Pete tech company doubles down on growthBoston public company acquires St. Pete marketing tech startup for $7.5Mwww.PCED.org Pinellas County Economic Development | (727) 464-7332 | econdev@pinellascounty.org13805 58 St. N., Suite 1-200 | Clearwater, FL 33760 |
| Pinellas County Economic Development 13805 58th Street N. Suite 1-200 Clearwater, FL 3376 |