A September 24 Manufacturing Industry roundtable event held by Pinellas County Economic Development (PCED) brought together 56 participants to discuss manufacturing workforce challenges. A post-event survey indicated high satisfaction, with 90% of responders stating that information presented at the event was valuable to them. The overall experience was rated an average 8.2 out of 10, and comments included, “very interesting to hear about the changing dynamics in workforce, “well worth our attendance - learned about some programs that we will use to hire employees,” and “awesome connecting with manufacturers who are in the area.”

Financial Advising Company Banks on Growth with help from the Florida SBDC at PCED

Since partnering with the Florida SBDC at PCED, Safe Harbor Financial Advisors has experienced significant growth, expanding its client base and enhancing the services offered to small businesses. “Since working with the Florida SBDC at Pinellas County my business has grown tremendously. To measure, I would probably to say it’s grown at least 10 times over the initial start,” owner Jody Zellner said.

Business Gains Success While Helping Organizations Thrive Through Culture



Natalie Johnson and Rebecca Johnson have built Vidl Work to help organizations intentionally shape and nurture high-performing workplace cultures. Vidl Work expanded the into new markets with assistance from the Florida APEX Accelerator at Pinellas County Economic Development. The expert guidance helped the co-founders navigate the world of procurement, learning how to market their services to government entities, build strategic partnerships, and network with agencies looking for cultural transformation solutions.

We are delighted to celebrate the four Pinellas County companies named 2025 GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch! Please join us in congratulating Abyde, Source 1 Solutions Inc., Veterans Metal, and Zulay Kitchen.

Honorees will be recognized for demonstrating high performance, innovative strategies, and a significant impact on Florida’s economy at a Feb. 26 ceremony in Orlando.

Join industry leaders to tackle today’s workforce challenges and shape tomorrow’s solutions. Hosted by CareerSource Tampa Bay and the Bay Area Manufacturers Association.

Get Ready for Small Business Saturday!

The holiday season is almost here — and so is one of the biggest days of the year for small businesses: Small Business Saturday, November 29, 2025!

Created by American Express, this nationwide celebration encourages communities to shop small and support local businesses. Whether you own a retail shop, restaurant, or service-based business, this is your chance to attract new customers, boost sales, and connect with your community.

Pinellas County has launched the People First Hurricane Recovery Programs to provide vital housing and financial assistance to impacted residents whose needs were not fully met by insurance, FEMA, or other federal/state aid. Please share this important information with your company's leadership and staff.