Pinellas County manufacturing leaders, innovators, and professionals came together to explore the future of the industry at the 4th Annual Pinellas Manufacturing Summit, hosted by the Pinellas Park Chamber of Commerce. More than 130 attendees heard from keynote speakers, took in expert panel discussions, engaged in networking opportunities, and explored a showcase of cutting-edge products and technologies. Pinellas County Economic Development actively helped organize, sponsor, and market the event, and Economic Development Manager Scott Talcott shared information on resources available to local manufacturers in a panel discussion. Participant feedback was favorable, with attendees praising the event’s program, depth of speaker knowledge, and opportunities to connect with other manufacturers in the area.

Pinellas County Economic Development Provides Crucial Services to New Business Village in North Greenwood

Pinellas County Economic Development is adding its small business assistance expertise to The Grove, a project designed to revitalize local business in the North Greenwood neighborhood of Clearwater, Florida. In total, The Grove is projected to provide employment to over 100 people, with an emphasis on youth and workforce development. 

Saturday Shoppes Extends Support for Emerging Businesses Across West Florida with Help from PCED

With assistance from Pinellas County Economic Development, Renee Edwards has grown Saturday Shoppes from serving an initial 63 vendors in 2021 to more than 4,000 today. The company has expanded from its initial location to include three additional Florida locations, and has boasted $2 million in earnings from 2021 to 2025, and Everyday Shoppes has grossed a quarter of a million dollars in its first year of operation.

Pitch your AI solution and compete for up to $50,000 in funding!

The Florida Small Business Development Center at USF and Pinellas County Economic Development are hosting an Amazon Web Services (AWS) AI Pitch Competition in partnership with PREDICTif, AWS, and the St. Petersburg College of Business. Finalists will present their AI-drive business concepts to a panel of expert judges, and top ideas will be recognized for their creativity, impact, and potential. 

January 22, 2026, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

St. Petersburg College, Tarpon Springs Campus, 600 E Klosterman Rd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

Registration deadline January 12, 2026