Pinellas County Business News
April, 2018
Pinellas SBE Community Conversation: April 19
Come share your experiences, successes and barriers in doing business with Pinellas County Government. Our Pinellas Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the Pinellas County Purchasing and Economic Development departments, will be listening to the voices of our citizens and local business owners to enhance the Small Business Enterprise (SBE) program. Register at www.pced.org/sbe.
 
Pinellas Industrial Revenue Bonds to
Help Fund Clearwater Marine Aquarium Expansion
 
Working with Pinellas County Economic Development, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium applied for $15.9 million in Industrial Revenue Bond financing to assist with a multi-year expansion to be completed by 2020. "We are pleased to work with the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to help expand their facilities to further their mission of rescuing and rehabilitating marine animals and educating our citizens and visitors about the importance of conservation and sustainable ecosystems," shared Commissioner Kenneth T. Welch, 2018 Chairman of the Pinellas Board of County Commissioners. Plans for the expansion include five new dolphin habitats, exhibit space, an elevated deck, the final phase of a 378-space parking structure and a new building for guest and educational space. It will triple the rescued dolphin habitat and the increased volume of water will allow all non-releasable animals more room for exercise, play, and interaction with conspecifics, and their team of Animal Care Specialists.

Click here to read the full story...
 
PCED 2017 Annual Report
 
Pinellas County's workforce keeps on growing and is now almost
500k strong, even with historically low unemployment.
Learn more about how Pinellas County Economic Development helped businesses grow and create new jobs in 2017.
 
Explore our New Data Center Dashboard
 
Want quick, easy access to the latest data trends in Pinellas County? Look no further - PCED.org/Dashboard has it covered! Simply add the Dashboard to your favorites and we'll keep it updated.
 
Businesses wanted for Pinellas County Schools STEM Expo, April 28
Pinellas County Schools are seeking Pinellas STEM employers to engage and inspire students at the STEM Expo from 9:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. on April 28 at the USFSP Student Center, 200 6th Ave. S., St. Petersburg. This is a free event attended by over 3,200 people last year. Display space is limited to just 15 employers. Reserve your spot today by contacting Laurie Winsor at [email protected] or (727) 588-6338Click here to learn more.
 
St. Petersburg College Awarded $1.5 million Florida Job Growth Grant
 
The $1,596,858 award will be used to create a Mechatronics and Electromechanical Technician training program - an accelerated, innovative, responsive and competency-based technical workforce program that meets the advanced manufacturing industry's skill requirements. President at St. Petersburg College Dr. Tonjua Williams said, "This initiative is a prime example of the Governor's vision and dedication to workforce programs that drive our state and local economies and the College's commitment to collaborative, high-impact educational programs that strengthen our communities." Click here to read more about the Florida Job Growth Grant awards.
 
May 4: Government Small Business Conference in Tampa
 
Attention Pinellas small business owners: learn how to optimize business opportunities through informative workshops, panel discussions, and a Business Opportunity Expo featuring federal agencies. This year's theme is Strategy & Acquisition: Success in Federal Contracting. In addition to workshops and panel discussions, the afternoon will feature a Small Business Awards luncheon, with a prominent keynote speaker, to be announced. More details and registration can be found at https://clients.floridasbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=610380062.
 
Export Finance Solutions: May 2 Seminar

This seminar will detail the products, programs and services available to mitigate risks associated with export transactions, i.e. letters of credit; documentary collections; working capital loans; foreign receivables insurance; and more. Learn about the many financing options open to you and how to choose the ones most acceptable to both the international buyer and your company. 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the EpiCenter: 13805 58 St. N., Room 1-200, Clearwater, 33760. $25 registration includes continental breakfast. Click here to register.
 
Pinellas News
 












In This Issue
Quick Links
Business Workshops
The Florida Small Business Development Center at Pinellas County Economic Development hosts a number of business workshops each month. Find a full schedule of upcoming workshops at pced.org/workshops.

Pinellas County Economic Development | 727-464-7332 | [email protected] | http://www.pced.org
13805 58th Street N.
Suite 1-200
Clearwater, FL 33760