Business partners Murad Ajaney and Saleem Hussein turned to the Florida Small Business Development Center at PCED for assistance after their business, Dolphin Ice and Water, sustained damage from the 2024 hurricanes. With the professional assistance of business consultant Kurt Forster, they obtained crucial funding to repair equipment, restock inventory, and get back to serving customers quickly, enabling the company to resume expansion plans that will make Dolphin Ice and Water the largest ice producer in Florida. “We are prospering, we are making money, we are happy, we love this business. That’s why we’re putting another facility in Sanford so we can do more, and we can grow in the same way the state can grow,” Saleem Hussein said proudly.

AWS Pitch Competition Helps Drive AI Innovation

On January 22, the Florida SBDC at USF and Pinellas County Economic Development hosted an AWS Pitch competition in partnership with PREDICTif Solutions, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and the St. Petersburg College of Business. AMBY Platforms, Test Assured LLC, MADTECH.AI Inc., Attribution Without Permission, TVM.Bio - Sandbag Rentals, ATALO Solutions, Inc., Titan Secure Technologies & Logistics, and Timegility, LLC were selected as finalists and presented their AI-driven business concepts to a panel of expert judges. Up to $50,000 in AWS Partner-funded engineering services will be awarded to the 1st place recipient, up to $35,000 for the 2nd, and up to $25,000 for the 3rd place recipient. Congratulations to the winning companies!

1^st Place: MADTECH.AI Inc.

2^nd Place: TVM.Bio - Sandbag Rentals

3^rd Place: ATALO Solutions, Inc.

Skills Enhancement Training Program - Now Open

Pinellas County's new Skills Enhancement Training (SET) Program offers funding to target industry employers for the development and implementation of customized training programs. This program prioritizes upskilling talent within strategically identified industries, fostering a highly skilled workforce that meets the evolving demands of the market. Pinellas County Economic Development works closely with employers to identify training needs, develop targeted programs, and measure the impact on employee performance and business outcomes. Visit the program's page on our website to learn more and start an application.

Applications Now Open:

Round 8 Funding for Pinellas County's Employment Sites Program

Pinellas County has committed over $90 million to assist in the construction and redevelopment of industrial (manufacturing & flex) and office buildings to facilitate a strong and robust local economy that provides growth opportunities for existing businesses and attracts new target industry employers. How can the program help your business? Visit our website to explore the details and benefits. The Round 8 application period will close at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 27, 2026.

Innovation Showcase, Feb. 11, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Six spARK Labs member companies will present in front of an audience of investors, corporate partners, government leaders, community members, and more. This is an incredible opportunity to spotlight the innovation coming out of our community! Get your ticket today to support and cheer for the presenting companies.

Succession Blueprint Conference

Thinking about life after business ownership? Don’t leave your company’s future to chance. Join leading industry experts to uncover strategies that protect your company’s value, retain top talent, and create a clear, actionable roadmap for a seamless transition.

March 6, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Tarpon Springs Workforce Innovation Hub, 600 E Klosterman Rd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689