Global Tampa Bay successfully led a trade mission to Mexico City, Mexico, from February 24 to 27, 2025 to assist local businesses in expanding to new markets and promote the region for foreign direct investment while also celebrating Tampa International Airport and Aeromexico’s newest nonstop service between Tampa Bay and Mexico City. Representatives from Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties, Tampa International Airport, Port Tampa Bay, Delta Airlines, and local business owners participated to expand their presence in the Latin American market.

Pinellas County's award-winning Employment Sites Program (ESP) continues to be an important tool we use to promote economic vitality in our community. Overall, the ESP has supported 26 approved projects for the development or redevelopment of 1,642,157 square feet of space. Six of the ten completed projects have increased their taxable values in excess of $52.4 million. Put simply: business growth equals more capital investment and more jobs for Pinellas County.

Read the Employment Sites Program 2024 Annual Report to find more details about the ESP's success.

Find the Numbers You Need on Our Economic Data Dashboard

Here at PCED, we understand the importance of market research when it comes to business decision-making. That's why we offer an Economic Dashboard packed with information about topics such as demographics, GDP, employment, income, workforce, and more. The interactive Dashboard allows you to customize your search and pull exactly the data you need in real-time. Need help? Reach out to David Chawk, our Market Intelligence Specialist, at dchawk@pinellas.gov or (727) 464-7332 for personalized assistance.

The Florida Medical Manufacturers Consortium's annual symposium is Florida's premier event for medical device manufacturing firms. Participants will hear from FDA speakers and expert panels on regulatory issues and industry trends. Additional opportunities include company exhibits, legislative updates, and quality networking opportunities.

Celebrate small business at the 2025 Florida SBDC at USF Business Awards! What's in it for you?

• Networking Opportunities: Connect with small business owners, partners, and colleagues
• Exhibitor Booths: Explore resources and services from key business partners
• Lunch Included: Share a meal with fellow attendees
• Celebration of Excellence: Honor the innovators and leaders shaping Florida’s economy

BIS - Complying with U.S. Export Controls, May 21 - 22

Gain essential tools to confidently navigate U.S. Export Controls in this two-day, hands-on program on the Export Administration Regulations.

Help set our hurricane recovery priorities!

Pinellas County has been awarded $813,783,000 by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to support long-term recovery from Hurricane Idalia in 2023, and Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. These funds from the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program can help rebuild homes and businesses, provide rental assistance, restore damaged infrastructure and address other critical community needs.

Complete the brief survey to share unmet needs you or your community are facing and where you think funds are most needed: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PinellasCountyResidentImpact

Responses will be accepted through April 18, 2025.

You can also share your feedback during one of our upcoming public meetings:

• Mon., April 7, 6-8 p.m., Lealman Exchange, Ray Neri Room, 5175 45th St. N., St. Petersburg
• Thurs., April 10, 6-8 p.m., City of Dunedin – City Hall, Commission Chambers, 737 Louden Ave., Dunedin
• Thurs., April 24, 6-8 p.m., Harbor Hall/White Chapel, 1190 Georgia Ave., Palm Harbor
• Tues., May 6, 9:30 a.m. Board of County Commission Meeting, 333 Chestnut St., Palm Room, Clearwater, FL 33756

Zoom Meetings are also scheduled for Tues., May 13, at 11 a.m. and Thurs., May 15 at 6 p.m. Register at: https://recover.pinellas.gov/meetings/

You can find information about current recovery programs and resources and more information about these new funds online at https://recover.pinellas.gov/

$10K grants: Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund

Was your restaurant impacted by a recent disaster? The DoorDash

Restaurant Relief Fund, in partnership with Hello Alice, can help you recover. Get up to $10,000 to rebuild your business and get back on your feet. May 30 deadline.

Pinellas County's Care About Me Program

Pinellas County’s Care About Me (CAM) program can be a resource for your workforce to promote employee wellbeing and workforce retention. Care About Me is a free, confidential resource available to all Pinellas County residents, providing screenings to match individuals with the most appropriate in-person or virtual treatment options for mental health, substance use, and addiction treatment. Learn more about how Care About Me can assist your organization or employees at careaboutme.org.