Pinellas Craft Brewery Pours Up a Glass to Business Resiliency and Success

Mastry’s Brewing Co. made history by becoming the first craft distillery in St. Pete Beach, offering a unique blend of handcrafted beers and spirits. With support from the Florida SBDC at PCED, owner Matthew Dahm tackled business planning and development, and connected with lenders to secure crucial funding. “They [Florida SBDC at PCED] helped me Identify the questions that I didn’t know to ask and line me up with the resources to really set us up for success on those next steps that we’re taking with our business development.”

Electrical Equipment Distributor Expands to Bigger Pinellas County Location

Comprehensive Supply Company owner John Ciangiulli tapped the expertise of the Florida SBDC at PCED to develop a comprehensive business plan, create a targeted marketing strategy, and improve his accounting processes, building a solid business foundation. “In the last three years we’ve doubled sales revenue each and every year and we have secured financing, both traditional financing and line of credit financing, and we continue to see growth and expect future growth in continuing to work with SBDC,” attests Ciangiulli.

Pinellas AV Company Demonstrates It's Got What It Takes to Put on a Show

Utilizing the services of the Florida APEX Accelerator at Pinellas County Economic Development, Steve “Q” Berry has employed government contracting to grow and expand Style-City Music in Pinellas County. Government Contracting Consultant Yolanda Goodloe has helped guide Q through the government contracting process, and her expertise was instrumental in helping Style-City Music secure government contracts that would allow the business to showcase their talents to the United States Coast Guard and the United States Navy.

On the Job Training: Help for Businesses

CareerSource Hillsborough-Pinellas offers the On the Job Training program to assist with the financial demands of training new hires. CareerSource will reimburse employers 50% of wages for all hours worked for up to six months. Eligibility requirements and exclusions apply - contact CareerSource Hillsborough-Pinellas for full details.

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.

Visit St. Pete-Clearwater is thrilled to announce the launch the second cycle of its Event Funding Program. Destination Enhancement Events scheduled between April 1, and Sept. 30, 2025 are eligible to apply.

This event will be a valuable opportunity for participants to gain insights into export readiness, identify top foreign markets, and learn effective market entry strategies. Featured speaker Michael Schiffhauer, V.P. of International Trade and Development, will share his expertise on establishing market presence and expanding sales.