Pinellas County Business News

October 2023

2023 Pinellas County Reverse Trade Show

October 13, 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

The Pinellas County Reverse Trade Show allows you to meet directly with procurement staff who are responsible for purchasing the types of products or services that your company can provide. This year, the event begins with a General Session during which you will learn how to sell your products on Amazon Business.

Free registration

Permanent Jewelry Business Finds New Home in St. Petersburg

Entrepreneur Mariel McMurrey has successfully turned her passion for handmade jewelry and sustainability into a thriving small business: Sadie + Sky Permanent Jewelry. Knowing that her expertise in creating personalized pieces of jewelry wasn’t enough to launch a successful business, McMurrey reached out to the Florida SBDC at Pinellas County Economic Development for business startup assistance with consultant Debra Schweikowsky. Schweikowsky helped McMurrey through business startup basics, such as setting up an Employer Identification Number (EIN), understanding quarterly sales tax, and thinking about the future of the business.

All month, we'll join manufacturers and manufacturing organizations across the country to celebrate the innovation, job creation, and economic impact of the manufacturing industry.

Learn about manufacturing in Pinellas County

Pinellas Manufacturing Summit

Nov. 7, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Join host Pinellas Park Gateway Chamber of Commerce and other local partners for this informative event that will help attendees explore new ways to grow their manufacturing businesses. Registration is free. Sponsorships are available.

Learn more

Host companies needed for Manufacturing Day tours, Oct. 6

The number one challenge facing manufacturing employers is the ability to find talented workers. Students are not aware of the vast number of career options available in the manufacturing field. How can you help bridge this gap? Offer students the opportunity to tour your facility to see firsthand how a manufacturing facility operates and what careers are available. Choose a date in the month of October to host your tour and Bay Area Manufacturers Association will help you coordinate with a local school.

More information

City of St. Petersburg Supplier Diversity Day

Oct. 4

This event celebrates the importance of supplier diversity and aims to connect local businesses with procurement opportunities. Whether you're a small business owner, entrepreneur, or simply interested in supporting local diversity, this event is for you. You'll have the chance to connect with those who are committed to fostering an inclusive business environment. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to expand your network, gain valuable insights, and contribute to the growth of our local economy.

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

The Coliseum

535 4th Ave. N.

St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Learn more & RSVP

LatinTech Accelerator

This groundbreaking program presented by Tampa Bay Wave is crafted for technology startups at the Pre-Seed to Series A stage, where Latino or Latina founders hold at least a 50% stake in ownership, control, and daily operations. Selected participants will engage in an immersive four-month period of two weeks on-site in Tampa, FL, followed by two weeks of virtual interaction. Benefits include guidance and mentorship, community connections, access to capital, and spatial and financial support.

Don't wait: applications close Oct. 6.

Apply today

2023 Florida Chamber Annual Meeting & Future of Florida Forum

Register today for the 2023 Florida Chamber Annual Meeting & Future of Florida Forum, held October 23-24 in Orlando. At this 2-day event, Florida’s business leaders, elected officials, education, workforce and community advocates will unite around the Florida 2030 Blueprint's Six Pillars Framework™ to address what's needed for Florida’s residents, businesses and economy to win the Race to 2030 and Beyond.

Both in-person and virtual attendance options are available.

Assistance Is Still Available for Businesses Impacted by Hurricane Idalia

Pinellas County Economic Development continues to respond to business recovery impacts resulting from Hurricane Idalia.

Businesses are urged to respond to the Florida Business Damage Assessment Survey. Select “Hurricane Idalia” from the drop-down box and submit the survey online. The exact dollar value of your costs are not necessary; an estimate is fine.

The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program is now available at www.FloridaJobs.org/EBL. The program makes $20 million available for businesses impacted by Hurricane Idalia.

The SBA is offering the following disaster loan assistance to businesses in Pinellas County impacted by Hurricane Idalia:

Business Physical Disaster Loans

Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)

More details are available on our website.

PCED.org/Hurricane