After their business Plaza Beach Resorts sustained damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024, owners Robert and Mariuche Czyszczon turned to the Florida SBDC at Pinellas County Economic Development and business consultant Debra Schweikowsky, who helped them secure a $50,000 Florida Emergency Bridge Loan. That support enabled them to reopen and house displaced residents through FEMA’s Temporary Lodging Assistance program. “One of the biggest success stories has been housing local residents that lost their homes but now we’re finally ready to open up to our regular guests and we are welcoming them with open arms,” Mariuche said.

Foreign-Trade Zone Program Helps Pinellas County Businesses Gain a Competitive Advantage

On December 3, 2025, Pinellas County Economic Development’s Brent Barkway joined other international trade experts to provide information to businesses about the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) program. The event was held at Port Tampa Bay and sponsored by the Port, Pinellas County Economic Development (PCED), and Foreign-Trade Zone 79. Participants received critical information about how the FTZ program can help streamline the process and minimize the costs associated with qualified importing, exporting, manufacturing, and distribution activities.

Pinellas County Celebrates Major Headquarters Expansion at Wendover Art Group

Pinellas County's Board of County Commissioners celebrated the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Wendover Art Group, a leading American manufacturer of high-quality artwork, mirrors, wallcoverings, lighting, textiles, sculptures and more, in honor of the substantial expansion of its corporate headquarters and manufacturing facility in Largo, Florida. The 69,000 square foot addition was made possible, in part, through Pinellas County’s Employment Sites Program (ESP), which is dedicated to supporting local business growth and creating high-wage jobs.

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.

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, 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

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

Improve Flow, Reduce Constraints, and Drive Measurable Results: Theory of Constraints 2-Day Certificate Workshop

The Bay Area Manufacturers Association will welcome the Goldratt team back to Tampa Bay for this special program. The Goldratt Group implements Theory of Constraints in organizations worldwide, from industry leaders like P&G, Hertz, and Delta Air Lines, to the US Air Force, and smaller and medium companies across industries. This workshop is hands-on, practical training for companies to leverage operational excellence.

January 14th & February 11th, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Pinellas Technical College, 901 34th St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711

Honduras and El Salvador: Market Opportunities and Industry Trends 

Join the U.S. Commercial Service as it shares insights and strategies for navigating opportunities in the dynamic markets of Honduras and El Salvador. During the webinar, SelectFlorida will provide details about the upcoming Export Sales Mission to Honduras and El Salvador, which is open exclusively to Florida companies, and will outline the specific participation requirements. 

January 8, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.