Tampa Bay's Latest Business News

January, 2011
Now, Local Business Assistance Comes to You!
In response to Pinellas County’s need for hyper-local small business assistance, we are pleased to announce the return of the Business Assistance Partnership Program.  In the past, Business Assistance Partnership Specialists (BAPS) helped more than 10,000 Pinellas businesses.  Now, with support and funding from the Small Business Administration (SBA), and with assistance from Representatives Kathy Castor and C.W. (Bill) Young, and Senator Bill Nelson, five BAPS will provide in-person small business assistance across the neighborhoods of Pinellas County.  The Business Assistance Partnership Program is made possible through partnerships with Pinellas County Economic Development, WorkNet Pinellas, the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce, Clearwater Neighborhood Housing, the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce, the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce, and the Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce.  Learn more about the program and connect with the BAPS at www.pced.org/bap.

Promising Growth in Pinellas’ Medical Technologies
& Life Sciences Industries
In medical technologies and life sciences, Pinellas County is building the future with innovative industry leaders Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, SRI St. Petersburg, Conmed Linvatec and Bausch & Lomb Surgical. With the support of a strong existing local supplier network, nearly half of all life sciences companies in the Tampa-St. Petersburg Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) are located in Pinellas County. This fertile environment has facilitated the recent expansions of CoreRx, Oscor, and Formulated Solutions, creating 185 new Pinellas county jobs and demonstrating the appeal of the area to high-tech industry. Statewide organizations such as the Pinellas-based Florida Medical Manufacturers’ Consortium (FMMC) have a network of business members, educational and governmental partners with a vested interest in expanding this vital industry sector. Pinellas County offers medical technology companies a pro-business environment with job creation incentives, low tax rates, developed infrastructure, a skilled workforce and strong educational institutions focused on the needs of business. Come grow with us – www.pced.org/medtech.
Right Place, Right Now – Spotlight on Largo
Centrally located in Pinellas County, the City of Largo is the 4th largest city in Tampa Bay.  It offers an excellent quality of life for its residents, an affordable cost of living, and proximity to a vast network of diversified businesses.  Recent business expansions include a new 255,500-square-foot headquarters and warehouse for Pinch A Penny, pharmaceutical manufacturer CoreRx’s relocation and creation of 55 new high-wage jobs and JSKaroake’s expansion to a 60,000-square-foot building using Florida’s Economic Gardening Program.

New Incentive: Manufacturing & Spaceport
Investment Program
A tax refund up to $50,000 can be given on State Sales and Use Tax paid for eligible equipment purchases. Program ends June 30, 2012. For more information visit http://www.pced.org/expansion_relocation/subpage.asp?manufacturing.

FMMC Executive Briefing, Jan. 18
Join the Florida Medical Manufacturers’ Consortium for its next Executive Briefing.  The event will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the Feather Sound Country Club in Clearwater.  For more information, visit http://www.flamedmfg.org/.

Annual Florida Federal Contractors Association (FFCA) Networking & Association Workshop, Jan. 25
This important event will provide to federal contractors a traditional business development networking opportunity and will also provide a venue for the board and members to engage in targeted discussions regarding FFCA 2011 programming, member company priorities, and opportunities for regional expansion throughout the greater Tampa Bay area and technology corridor.  The event will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Tampa.  For more details and registration, visit http://ffca.eventbrite.com/.  To learn more about FFCA, visit www.FloridaFederalContractors.org.

Jan. 26 – Healthcare Industry Forum
Through a partnership between WorkNet Pinellas, PTEC, St. Petersburg College, the Pinellas Education Foundation and PCED, a healthcare industry forum will be offered to focus on current and emerging workforce needs.  Topics will include training funding opportunities and curriculum development.  The forum will be held at the EpiCenter, 13805 58 St. N. from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. and will include lunch.  RSVP to Marilyn Browne at (727) 608-2420 or mbrowne@worknetpinellas.org.

Business Trade Event Grants
Available from $600 to $4,000 to cover up to 50% of a company’s costs at trade shows.  Click here to learn more about Target Sector Trade Event Grants.  Contact Fred Glickman at fglickman@eflorida.com to discuss opportunities for your business.