With assistance from Pinellas County’s Employment Sites Program (ESP), Chris Jaynes and Kathleen St. Jean have launched a truly life-saving business in Palm Harbor, Florida. AlloCyte is utilizing the ESP to help finance the renovation of an outdated manufacturing space, providing the start-up with the facility it needs to become the only U.S. producer of pharmaceutical preservation liquids required for human organ transplant. The project will result in rehabilitating more than 25,000 square feet of manufacturing space and brings 60 new high-wage jobs to Pinellas County.

Cofounders Chris Jaynes and Kathleen St. Jean selected the property in Palm Harbor after narrowing their search to the Tampa Bay area. “We knew we wanted a location in the southeastern U.S. and our priority attributes were a business-friendly environment, high quality of life, and proximity to major transplant hospitals,” explains Jaynes. “The Palm Harbor location checked all of our boxes.” 

A majority of Pinellas County is now open for business following the storms and residents and visitors can still enjoy many of the amazing art and cultural experiences and wonderful restaurants in our area, as well as a plethora of upcoming events. As each day passes, we expect to be able to share more of our destination as recovery efforts progress. St. Pete-Clearwater is Still Shining.

Visit St. Pete-Clearwater's dedicated webpage below will be continuously updated with new information about open businesses and opportunities, so check back frequently.

GrowFL has announced the 50 exceptional companies selected as 2024 Florida Companies to Watch Honorees and we are delighted to celebrate the three Pinellas County-based companies included in those honored: DirectMail2.0, Emerson and Friends, and Haddy. Florida Companies to Watch honorees represent a diverse range of industries, all demonstrating impressive growth potential, and are recognized for their innovative approaches, strong leadership, and dedication to making a positive impact on their communities. Congratulations to all who are included, and thank you to those who've chosen to grow in Pinellas!

Business Recovery Center

Services: The Florida Small Business Development Center will offer business recovery assistance. The SBA will offer assistance to business owners, homeowners, and renters with completing disaster loan applications and will answer questions and provide information about resource partners.

Location: Pinellas County Economic Development offices at The EpiCenter, 13805 58th Street N., Suite 1-200, Clearwater FL 33760.

Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Appointments are not required and walk-in visits are welcome. Business owners are encouraged to to meet one-on-one with professionally certified consultants to receive assistance and information about the following critical business recovery programs:

• SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
• SBA Physical Disaster Loan
• Florida Small Business Emergency Loan Bridge Program

Ongoing consulting assistance is available to assist businesses with rebuilding and recovery. Business owners who cannot attend in person can request an appointment with a consultant online. Visit pced.org/sbdc to request a consulting appointment.

More details and hurricane information are available on our website.

Pinellas County Economic Development was awarded a 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award in the Real Estate Redevelopment & Reuse category from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and was a nominee for Best in Show. The award was in recognition of our success with the Employment Sites Program (ESP). “Pinellas County Economic Development is setting the standard of excellence for economic development with its Employment Sites Program project. This award highlights Pinellas County’s commitment to its community and demonstrates the transformative impact of economic development,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO.

Additionally, we are very pleased to announce that our Director, Dr. Cynthia Johnson, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) following a majority vote by the full Board at IEDC's 2024 Annual Conference. This significant election to the Board underscores Johnson’s dedication and expertise in the field of economic development. “I am thrilled to be nominated and elected to the IEDC Board of Directors and excited to enhance Florida’s representation on IEDC’s governing body,” said Dr. Johnson. “It’s an honor to join the IEDC Board of Directors and I look forward to contributing to the council’s efforts in advancing economic development.”

3rd Annual Pinellas Manufacturing Summit

Learn about new ways to grow your manufacturing business in Pinellas County: join host Pinellas Park Gateway Chamber of Commerce and other local partners Nov. 14 for the Pinellas Manufacturing Summit. 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center, 4951 78th Av. N.

This event brings together experts from the Bureau of Industry and Security, Defense Directorate Trade Controls, Office of Foreign Assets Control, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Census Bureau and more, providing a unique opportunity to network and gain actionable knowledge for optimizing your company’s export operations. 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Place, Downtown St. Petersburg. Breakfast and lunch are included.

National Small Business Week Awards

Nominations are being accepted for the 2025 National Small Business Week Awards, which recognize the achievements of small businesses and their contributions to America's economy. The deadline to submit nomination packages is Thursday, Dec. 5 at 4:00 p.m. ET.