Pinellas County Business News

June 2023

Networking Forum Creates Opportunities for Pinellas Defense Industry

On April 27, 2023 Pinellas County Economic Development (PCED) hosted a Defense Networking Forum in partnership with The Maritime and Defense Technology Hub (The Hub), the Global Forensic Justice Center at Florida International University, and sponsors Alakai Defense and the Florida Defense Contractors Association. The event was a success enjoyed by nearly 100 attendees. “We had an excellent turnout,” expounds Scott Talcott, Economic Development Manager with PCED. “More than 46 different companies were represented, including five that are new to Pinellas. This was a fantastic opportunity for them to get a feel for our robust defense industry and the many opportunities it offers for both new and existing businesses.”

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Is Your Business Prepared for Hurricane Season?

Before disaster strikes, it’s important to know your risk, make a business continuity plan, and stay informed to protect your business in the event that a natural, man-made or biological hazard event occurs. Need help? Visit our website for tips and tools.

PCED.org/Hurricane

Employment Sites Program:

Round 5 Funding Opens June 26

Pinellas County's award-winning Employment Sites Program (ESP) will open a fifth round of funding soon. Interested parties can begin submitting applications on June 26 at 8:00 a.m. Applications for this round will close on August 25.

Pinellas County has committed funds in excess of $90 million to assist in the construction and redevelopment of industrial (manufacturing & flex) and office buildings in order to facilitate a strong and robust local economy that provides growth opportunities for existing businesses and attracts new target industry employers to Pinellas County.

Visit our website to learn more.

PCED.org/ESP

New on Our Website:

May 2023 Economic Indicators

Our newly-refreshed website now also offers a monthly update on Key Economic Indicators for Pinellas County. Here, you can find current data on GDP, labor and employment rates, wages, and more. We will update this page monthly as we receive new data.

PCED.org/Economic-Indicators

Navigating Small Business Lending: Insights from

Active Lenders

Entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone interested in borrowing money to start or grow a business are encouraged to listen in to help understand the state of small business lending now. The discussion will include active lenders from Alternative Funding Solutions, Bank United, Fifth Third Bank, South State Bank, Suncoast Credit Union, and Sunshine State Economic Development Corporation.

June 15, 12:00 - 1:00 pm

Virtual event via Zoom

Free registration

An Award-Winning Month for PCED

May was an excellent month for recognition of the stellar programs and economic development talent offered by Pinellas County. Our Employment Sites Program was first honored with a Future of the Region award in the Economy & Energy category at the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council's Leadership Summit, followed by winning the Florida Economic Development Corporation's (FEDC) Urban Deal of the Year award for its Brooker Creek South project. The FEDC also honored PCED Division Director Suzanne Christman with its prestigious Eunice Sullivan Economic Development Professional of the Year award at the FEDC Foundation Conference. Finally, closing our award-winning month, PCED's Daniel Dorian was awarded Regional Rising Star of the Year by the Florida SBDC.

We are delighted to see our efforts recognized and honored with these awards!