Contact Us At  (727) 443-0217 ‌ ‌ ClearwaterBusinessSPARK.com

NEWSLETTER                                                            August/September 2019

Greetings! Summer came around quickly and we hope you were able to find time to take a break or even a vacation to reset and refocus your priorities as we close out the third quarter. The end of 2019 is winding down as we approach the fall season, but there is still time to make sure your business goals are being met. We are excited to announce the launch of our newest program, Marketing Mondays! Are you interested in learning about the latest marketing trends or need some assistance stepping up your marketing game? Then you have to check out Marketing Mondays! @ The Ring. Clearwater Business SPARK  and SCORE have teamed up to bring you personalized marketing consulting sessions, pro bono! If you're interested in signing up for a session or learning more information about this program, text Sheila Neisler at (704) 965-4249 or send her an email at Sheila.Neisler@scorevolunteer.org. Spots are filling up quickly, so don't delay! As always, your Clearwater Business SPARK partners are here to assist you in all areas of your business needs. If there is an area where you seek professional guidance, give us a call today and we will connect you to one of our partners. Clearwater Business SPARK - Where Success Begins.

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About Us Launched in 2016, Clearwater Business SPARK is a network of partners that support local small businesses and entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their businesses. Clearwater Business SPARK provides business programs and services including business planning and coaching, educational programs, networking opportunities and guidance for doing business with the federal government and international markets. Clearwater Business SPARK also offers access to databases and market research tools, a variety of co-working, meeting and training spaces and hands-on tools and activities at Studios@Main, a unique makerspace located within the Clearwater Main Library.  Current network partners include St. Petersburg College, Tampa Bay Black Business Investment Corporation, Pinellas County SCORE, Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce, Clearwater Public Library System, Prospera, the city of Clearwater’s Economic Development and Housing Department, and Florida Small Business Development Center at Pinellas County Economic Development. Get More Information

BUSINESS NEWS & UPDATES

Are you looking to START , GROW or EXPAND your business in the greater Clearwater area? Clearwater Business SPARK offers a network of resources to support businesses and entrepreneurs in every stage of development. To schedule an appointment with a Clearwater Business SPARK Partner call (727) 443-0217 or email us at info@ClearwaterBusinessSPARK.com

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PARTNER UPDATES

At SPC's Workforce Institute, we pride ourselves in offering a trusted suite of services and options that are affordable and accessible to both individuals and organizations. For goal-oriented individuals and businesses committed to accelerated professional growth, the Workforce Institute offers training, continuing education, industry certifications, licensures and career pathways. Our industry experts teach you the skills that local employers are looking for so you can get it done and get ahead. **CLEARWATER BUSINESS SPARK** Web Developer + Digital Media Marketing Click HERE for Discounted Certification Package! Allied Health Programs - CLICK HERE

Helping Hispanic Entrepreneurs Grow Whether you’re an existing business or a startup, new to the country or born here, now you can partner with an organization that wants to see you succeed and achieve new levels of growth in your business. Schedule a Free Strategy Session Today- Click Here!

The Florida Small Business Development Center at Pinellas County Economic Development Personalized Business Consulting is available by appointment through the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Pinellas County Economic Development. Providing businesses the expertise and resources to succeed. We help your business grow!

It is with a heavy heart that I announce my departure from the city of Clearwater. My husband and I along with our two daughters are relocating to the Northwestern PA/Upstate NY area so my husband can return to work in the family-owned business there. I am sad to leave my colleagues and will miss working with all of the wonderful SPARK partners and businesses. I have learned so much during my time in Economic Development at the city. I will cherish the friends and memories I've made along the way. Clearwater Business SPARK is doing some amazing things right now and I am sad to miss out on that. I wish all of you much continued success and prosperity!

Learn About Government From The Inside Out Applications are now being accepted for the 18th annual Citizens Academy , Clearwater 101 , a ten-week program providing citizens with a hands-on learning experience about the people, equipment and infrastructure it takes to run Pinellas County’s second-largest city. The program will begin with orientation on Tuesday, Sept. 10 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The classes that follow will also be on Tuesday evenings from 6 to 8:30 p.m. through graduation on Nov. 21. Applications are being accepted until the end of the work day on Thursday, August 1.

"This is a truly inclusive program that will help workers attain the critical on-the-job training needed to bolster the American workforce in the growing global economy." - Mike Meidel, Director of Pinellas County Economic Development

Pinellas County SCORE Offers FREE Business Mentoring Find the right mentor and see what Pinellas County SCORE can do for you and your business!

Click to Find a Mentor Near You

Get to Know Tampa Bay Black Business Investment Corp. The Tampa Bay Black Business Investment Corporation, Inc. (BBIC) is a U.S. Treasury certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) dedicated to providing business and funding opportunities for the long-term growth and success of small businesses. Tampa Bay BBIC was established as a nonprofit in 1987 to serve businesses owned and operated by African-American entrepreneurs, providing loans to a historically underserved market segment of the community, but now serves entrepreneurs of all ethnic backgrounds.

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UPDATES & INFORMATION

Upcoming Events 8/5 Marketing Mondays! 8/6 Chamber Night at the Rays 8/6 Workshop: Photography 8/7 CYP Open Forum Meeting 8/8 Chamber Discount night at Pour Yours 8/9 Workshop: Creating a Winning Capability Statement & 30 Second Business Pitch 8/12 Marketing Mondays! 8/12-15 Global Tampa Bay Export Sales Mission to Brazil 8/13 Workshop: Learn Photo Editing & Manipulation 8/15 AchieveHERs Event 8/16 Workshop: Business Plans 8/19 Marketing Mondays! 8/20 Workshop: SCORE Learn How to Building Your Social Media Strategy, Part 2 8/22 Master Restoration Ribbon Cutting 8/23 Workshop: Understanding Financial Statements 8/25 Craft Entrepreneurship Program for Sellers 8/26 Marketing Mondays! 8/26 Meet with Vice Mayor Cundiff 8/27 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Luncheon 8/27 CYP Social: #LastTuesday 9/1 Craft Entrepreneurship Program for Sellers 9/2 Labor Day 9/9 Marketing Mondays! 9/10 Workshop: SCORE Business Startup Basics 9/16 Marketing Mondays! 9/20 Workshop: Accounting & Tax Procedures 9/23 Marketing Mondays! 9/27 Workshop: QuickBooks 9/30 Marketing Mondays!

For a complete list of SCORE Pinellas County Chapter workshops CLICK HERE

Five Ways to Connect with Clearwater Business SPARK Visit our website Call us at (727) 443-0217 Follow us on Facebook Attend a Partner Event Schedule a one-on-one consultation with a SPARK partner

The Clearwater Business SPARK newsletter is produced bi-monthly by the city of Clearwater Economic Development & Housing Department and Public Communications Department staff.

(727) 443-0217 info@ClearwaterBusinessSPARK.com ‌ ‌

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