On November 19, the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners celebrated the ribbon-cutting for AGORA Edge’s new facility in St. Petersburg, Florida. AGORA Edge, a leader in soft goods design and manufacturing, serves diverse industry needs, including medical supplies, safety equipment, and mobile computing. Established in 1985, AGORA Edge employs over 350 workers and counts several Fortune 500 companies among its clients. With rising demand, the company outgrew its existing space and used Pinellas County’s Employment Sites Program (ESP) to fund an expansion, adding nearly 48,000 square feet and 50 new jobs. The expansion also includes infrastructure for an additional 32,000 square feet, potentially adding 70-100 more jobs in the future.

Global Tampa Bay Trade Mission to Mexico City, February 24 - 28

Discover the benefits of doing business with top U.S. trading partner Mexico. Applications are being accepted for review now and there is no cost or obligation to apply. The trip will include meetings for our companies with pre-screened and vetted companies in Mexico that are interested in buying U.S. products.  Learn more by contacting Brent Barkway at bbarkway@pinellas.gov or (727) 464-7411.

Season of Small Business

The SBA has launched the Season of Small Business campaign to help small business thrive this holiday season. Local small businesses can participate by using the hashtag #SeasonOfSmallBiz in social media messaging. Shoppers are encouraged to share the small business love through video messages, festive photos, and shopping local. Visit the SBA's website to get full details about the campaign and how it can help make your small business a holiday success.

Was your business damaged by Hurricane Milton? The U.S. Small Business Administration has temporarily paused funding for its disaster loan program. However, the SBA is still accepting applications for low-interest, long-term disaster loans to assist homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofits affected by disasters, including Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Once additional funding is secured from Congress, disaster loan applications will be processed promptly.

Things to know:

• The deadline to apply for physical damages from Hurricanes Helene and Milton is Jan. 7, 2025.
• Economic injury disaster loans (EIDLs) don’t require physical damage to apply and help small businesses stay in business until things get better. Businesses should consider this loan since an entire area will see economic impacts from a large-scale disaster.
• The SBA advises that disaster loans have refinance and relocation options.