Happy Holidays
Did you know… that Pinellas County residents and visitors boost the local economy by spending around $300 million on holiday gifts?!

As we close out 2019 and look forward to 2020, we’d like to extend a hearty THANK YOU to the fantastic citizens, businesses, and partner organizations that help us make Pinellas County the Ideal Business Climate each and every day. From all of us to you, best wishes for a very happy holiday season, and a bright, prosperous new year!

2020 Business of Biotech: Feb. 7
Join Moffitt Cancer Center at this annual event that attracts 450+ biotech executives, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, angel investors and researchers from across the U.S. 2020 event highlights include Keynote Speaker Dr. Alice Jacobs, Physician, Entrepreneur, Inventor and Investor, morning and afternoon breakout sessions, and a networking lunch. Click here to register to attend Business of Biotech and here to learn about sponsorship opportunities.

Tampa Bay Regional Resiliency Coalition Leadership Summit: Jan. 7-8, 2020
Join local, regional and national experts to define the vision for transforming our communities over the next 5-10 years to address major economic, social and environmental challenges. Your voice and expertise are needed as the team establishes goals for the Tampa Bay Regional Action Plan.  Learn more and register at http://www.tbrpc.org/summit/.  Sponsorship opportunities available.

Apply Now to Present at the 2020 Florida Venture Capital Conference
The Florida Venture Capital Conference offers participants opportunities to network with top investors and deal makers and showcases Florida’s most innovative and fast-growing later-stage private companies. Past presenters have raised approximately $6 billion in equity capital. Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee comprised of venture capitalists and private equity investors. Learn more and apply at https://flventure.org/2020-florida-venture-capital-conference/.

Pinellas Entrepreneur Finds Sweet Spot in St. Pete
Jane Rakestraw recently purchased the Schakolad Chocolate Factory in downtown St. Petersburg and is already seeing success. Having owned and operated other franchise businesses previously, Rakestraw knew she had the business acumen to make this new venture work. She also knew from past experience that Kurt Forster and the Florida Small Business Development Center (FSBDC) at Pinellas County Economic Development would help her with any issues or concerns she may face. Read the FSBDC at USF’s full story here: https://sbdctampabay.com/local-entrepreneur-finds-sweet-spot-in-st-pete/.

Thanksgiving at PCED
The Pinellas County Economic Development team contributed two barrels full of food for the RCS Pinellas Food Bank on November 21. RCS Pinellas provides nutritious groceries to our Pinellas neighbors in need. Our thanks to our own Becky Wills for coordinating and organizing this Thanksgiving food drive for us each year.

Dorian SBA EIDL Loan Deadline 08/13/20
The SBA Economic Disaster Injury Loan (EIDL) application deadline related to Hurricane Dorian has been extended to Aug. 13, 2020 for businesses located in Pinellas.  SBA’s EIDL offers impacted businesses working capital disaster loans up to $2 million at 4% for small businesses with terms up to 30 years. These loans are intended to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other expenses that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. To be considered for this assistance, businesses need to apply by Aug. 13, 2020.  Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application via SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoan.sba.gov. Please phone (727) 453-7200 with questions or for more information.

Pinellas News
L3Harris commercial aviation looks to grow as it settles into new St. Pete HQ
(St. Pete Catalyst)
Manufacturing in Florida isn’t dead. Far from it.
(Tampa Bay Times)Hotel, retail, coworking project planned for EDGE District
(St. Pete Catalyst)
Local entrepreneur fuses tech and fashion to custom design shoes and clothing
(St. Pete Catalyst)
Pinellas County Entrepreneur Up For Amazon Award
(Bay News 9)9 Tampa Bay businesses recognized for hiring military veterans
 (Tampa Bay Times)Six Tampa-St. Pete startups are part of a $1.9 billion economic engine in Florida
 (St. Pete Catalyst)Here’s how Tampa Bay ranks among best cities for female entrepreneurs
(Tampa Bay Business Journal)Boston real estate firm enters market with a $29M deal in Largo
(St. Pete Catalyst)