2023 was a banner year for our team, as we exceeded goals and previous measures across the board. Notable achievements included a huge increase in capital investment by businesses expanding or relocating to Pinellas, surpassing $38.5 million in contract awards through the Small Business Enterprise program, and creating a new PCED.ORG that tells the world in no uncertain terms that ours is the Ideal Business Climate. But that’s not all! Take a look at our new Annual Report for a full picture of all we’ve accomplished with our partners and supporters to benefit the businesses and citizens of Pinellas.

Upcoming Special Events

Ask an Expert – Virtual Presentation from the

Florida Department of Revenue

The FL Department of Revenue joins us online to help businesses navigate what items and services are subject to sales & use tax, the purpose of the Annual Resale Certificate, the collection of tax, tax rates, discretionary sales surtax, and more. Registration is open now.

April 9, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.

Virtual Event

Unlocking Innovation: Joining Forces with the Navy's Technology Ecosystem

Discover how your business can become part of the Navy’s National Technology ecosystem, learn how to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) with the potential for commercialization, and explore highly competitive programs that encourage domestic small businesses innovation to address Naval needs in more than 30 science and technology areas.

May 9, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

The Maritime and Defense

Technology Hub

450 8th Ave SE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

17th annual Florida Medical Device Symposium

The Florida Medical Device Symposium is Florida's premier event for medical device manufacturers and allied industries, featuring nationally recognized speakers, key FDA staff and officials, expert panels on regulatory issues and industry trends, exhibiting companies, legislative updates, and quality networking opportunities.

May 15 - 16, Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park

Pinellas County Emergency management is seeking input from Pinellas County lodging businesses ahead of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane season. Please visit the survey link below to participate.

Help shape the future of Pinellas County’s arts and culture. A countywide cultural plan is being conducted to support our artists, arts organizations, and residents, as well as the many visitors who come to vacation on the Arts Coast. 

PCED Director Dr. Cynthia Johnson was recently recognized by the Tampa Bay Business Journal in its Power 100: Tampa Bay's Most Influential Business Leaders Of 2024 rankings, citing steps Dr. Johnson and PCED took in 2023 to make Pinellas a hub of innovation and talent. Dr. Johnson was also honored to receive the Local Trailblazer award from U.S. Representative Kathy Castor's office. This award is part of the Congressional Record.

The APEX Accelerator at Pinellas County Economic Development received the prestigious 2024 Economic Impact Award at the National APEX Accelerator Alliance (NAPEX) Awards Dinner, recognizing significant economic contributions through support in securing government contracts and fostering job creation and retention. Under Economic Development Manager Yolanda Goodloe’s leadership, the APEX Accelerator at PCED has delivered over 10,000 consulting hours and resulted in client sales increases of more than $61 million, the creation of 420 new jobs, and the retention of 1,097 existing positions. Yolanda was nominated to the inaugural NAPEX Board of Directors and serves as the NAPEX Region 4 District Director.

PCED Economic Development Manager Brent Barkway traveled to London last month, representing Pinellas County through our partnership with Global Tampa Bay on a mission to attract Foreign Direct Investment to the Tampa Bay area. During the visit, Brent met with companies interested in establishing a U.S. location, as well as with British business organizations and U.S. Embassy officials, and made plans to connect with UK companies that will be visiting the Select USA Conference in June, at which Global Tampa Bay will be an exhibitor. Global Tampa Bay and the Tampa Bay Region will be featured in a publication put out by British American Business in June.