Contact Us At  (727) 443-0217
July 2018
Greetings!

Welcome to the first edition of the Clearwater Business SPARK newsletter. My name is Audra Aja and I serve as the program coordinator for the network. When you call in through the phone line or submit a form on our website I am the person that will follow up with you to make sure you get connected to the resources you need to start or grow your business. Think of me as someone you can always contact to figure out where you need to go.

It has been two years since we officially launched the network in the community, and since that time we have grown to eight partners strong. As part of our expansion we are excited to launch our first newsletter, which is designed to provide relevant content and information to help businesses succeed.

In this bi-monthly newsletter you will find educational information, helpful hints, events, news and insight into the variety of programs and services provided by our network partners. We want this newsletter to be valuable so I welcome you to call or email me anytime with feedback and suggestions to help us address your needs.

One of our top priorities is to help entrepreneurs and small businesses connect with the support you need to start or expand. If you ever find that this newsletter is not for you simply reply 'unsubscribe' and you will be removed from our distribution list. 

Clearwater Business SPARK - Where Success Begins.
About Us
Launched in 2016, Clearwater Business SPARK is a network of partners who support local small businesses and entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their business.

Clearwater Business SPARK provides business programs and services including business planning and coaching, educational programs, networking opportunities, and guidance for doing business with the federal government and international markets. Clearwater Business SPARK also offers access to databases and market research tools, a variety of co-working, meeting and training spaces and hands-on tools and activities at Studios@Main, a unique makerspace located within the Clearwater Main Library.

Current network partners include St. Petersburg College, Tampa Bay Black Business Investment Corporation, Pinellas County SCORE, Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce, Clearwater Public Library System, Prospera, the city of Clearwater’s Economic Development and Housing Department, and Florida Small Business Development Center at Pinellas County Economic Development.
St. Petersburg College's Workforce Institute Offers Numerous Programs
SPC's Workforce Institute offers many services, programs and job enhancement oppotunities to train employees in basic skills to highly specialized learning, such as industry certification in Microsoft or CompTIA and advanced manufacturing techniques.
First Clearwater Black Business Bus Tour a Success
More than 300 people attended the first Black Business Bus Tour held in Clearwater on June 23. Clearwater Business SPARK partner, Tampa Bay Black Business Investment Corporation , sponsored the event, which brought together community members and local businesses with a goal to introduce the public to local black-owned small businesses, and introduce the small businesses to future customers.
Opportunity to "Takeover" Second Century Studios-
Rent & Utility FREE

The CRA is looking for individuals and organizations who want to “takeover” Second Century Studios downtown with their art exhibitions, performances, community programs and pop up retail businesses. Or an idea we haven’t even thought of yet! The CRA will cover rent and utilities.
Maker Studios Offer Hands-on Learning And Experimentation Spaces
There are more than books waiting for you at the library. Whether it’s a laser etcher, a sewing machine, video camera, or a microphone for podcasting, the Clearwater Library’s Maker Studios offer hands-on learning and experimentation spaces where you can put into practice the skills you learn in books and online. Each floor of the Main Library in downtown Clearwater – 100 N Osceola – houses a Maker Studio which offers specialized classes and services, at no cost, to the public.
Upcoming Events
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Five Ways to Connect With Clearwater Business SPARK
  1. Visit our website ClearwaterBusinessSPARK.com
  2. Call us 727-443-0217
  3. Follow us on Facebook
  4. Attend a partner event
  5. Schedule a one-on-one consultation with a SPARK partner
(727) 443-0217

info@ClearwaterBusinessSPARK.com