Global Tampa Bay invites you to discover the trade opportunities in Mexico. U.S. goods and services trade with Mexico totaled an estimated $661.2 billion in 2021, of which exports were $276.5 billion, and Mexico ranks as Port Tampa Bay’s 4th largest export destination. Tampa Bay companies are well-positioned to benefit from these opportunities. This Global Tampa Bay Export Trade Mission will provide an excellent vehicle to initiate or expand your business profile in Latin America through one-on-one Gold Key meetings and networking events.
Contact Brent Barkway at bbarkway@pinellascounty.org or (727) 464-7411 to get started. March 15 is the deadline to register.
SBDC Spells Success For These Small Businesses
The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Pinellas County Economic Development (PCED) has a long, rich history of helping small businesses start, grow, and succeed in Pinellas County. The following stories highlight three such businesses and the personalized assistance they received. Ready to get your own small business growing? Contact our FSBDC team at PCED.org/SBDC.
Corporate Restaurant Leader Opens Unique Eatery
Chris Wicks spent 34 years in corporate restaurant leadership before deciding that he wanted to take a step back from the corporate world. Five years ago he decided to semi-retire and open Daydreamers Café and Grill in Safety Harbor. Although Wicks had spent much of his life in corporate restaurant leadership roles, Wicks found the Florida SBDC at PCED to be a helpful resource in navigating his business plan, marketing demographics and social media, and financing. Read the full story at https://sbdctampabay.com/corporate-restaurant-leader-opens-unique-eatery/.
Man Launches Childhood Dream Into Artisanal Bakery
Pablo Mardones has always wanted to have his own restaurant and in 2021 launched the Crumb Factory to offer St. Petersburg locals a new restaurant option with a different kind of culture. Although Pablo and his wife and business partner Katie Mardones thought they had planned well, permitting issues stalled the progress of their opening and they sought assistance from the Florida SBDC at PCED. Pablo says that help has allowed them to have more room in terms of capital to work on some of the ideas they have, such as expanding bakery hours, obtaining a beer and wine license, and purchasing new equipment to increase their capacity in areas such as wholesaling. Read more of this story at https://sbdctampabay.com/man-launches-childhood-dream-into-artisanal-bakery/.
Tattoo Company Inks a Bright Future in Tarpon Springs
Shortly after launching Tarpon Springs Tattoo Company, owner Lisa Adams reached out to the Florida SBDC at PCED to access start-up assistance, as well as marketing and financial management guidance. Adams said the guidance from the Florida SBDC at PCED has allowed her to, “be more secure in our decisions in running a business and where we want to go with it.” Find more details of this story at https://sbdctampabay.com/tattoo-company-inks-a-bright-future-in-tarpon-springs/.
Business of Biotech 2023: March 10
The Business of Biotech conference began in 2006 and has become a signature event in Tampa Bay. The conference historically attracts over 400 biotech executives, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, angel investors and researchers from across the U.S. and is a unique opportunity to meet and collaborate with the innovators of our age.
Made in Tampa Bay Expo & Job Fair: March 8, 11:00am - 4:00pm
This event is open to the public and will showcase products made in and around the Tampa Bay area. Attendees will be able to speak to local manufacturers about their products and learn how they are made. Manufacturers can register to host a table and/or become sponsors. Find full details about the event at https://bama-fl.org/event-5100875.
