Foot Locker, Inc. announced in its second quarter 2024 financial results that the New York-based retailer will move its global headquarters to St. Petersburg, in Pinellas County, Florida in late 2025. This strategic move underscores Foot Locker’s intent to build on the company’s meaningful presence in St. Petersburg and enable increased collaboration among operational teams and reducing costs. 

The Chair of the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners, Kathleen Peters, stated, “We are thrilled that Foot Locker revisited its long-term plans and chose to move its headquarters to St. Petersburg. Pinellas County’s pro-business environment, coupled with its talented workforce and exceptional quality of life, makes it the perfect location for global headquarters and for corporate expansions. We look forward to welcoming Foot Locker, Inc. as an integral part of our vibrant community.”

Medical Care Business Flourishes While Advocating for the Underserved

Working with the Florida APEX Accelerator at PCED, Owner Thalia Shurns has grown C.A.R.E Agency by expanding services and facilities. She says, “My business has grown tremendously since working with the Florida APEX Accelerator. We have secured a large government contract, we’ve also secured and acquired a home for our vets that is fully occupied, and our services have expanded. So, now we’re actually in the process of opening another home and acquiring an ALF [Assisted Living Facility] to service more people in the community." 

A Need for Innovation and Hygiene turns into Business Success

Owner Darryl McIntyre describes how Bubbas Potty Protection has grown in strength and size since working with the Florida APEX Accelerator at PCED. “So the way my business has grown, partnering with the APEX Accelerator, we started out in our home where we utilized our garage for storage space and we utilized my bedroom as an office space. Since then, we have scaled in the last four years to now the Brandon Exchange and we’re currently now growing into other sectors,” he said. “We started very small on Amazon, and we have scaled and achieved over 8000% year over year, each year."

We are delighted to share that six Pinellas County businesses were named as finalists among GrowFL's 2024 Florida Companies to Watch. The prestigious program honors high-growth, second-stage companies demonstrating exceptional innovation and potential for future success. The top 50 Honorees will be celebrated at the awards ceremony on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Hard Rock Live, Universal CityWalk in Orlando.

Congratulations to the Pinellas County businesses honored, and thank you for choosing to grow in our Ideal Business Climate!

Astaras

DirectMail2.0

Emerson and Friends

Grow Pro Agency

Haddy

Rogers Solutions Group

Join us for a dynamic one-day conference during Hispanic Heritage Month, where we celebrate the vibrancy of Hispanic small businesses. "EmpowerBiz" is your gateway to unlocking the secrets of successful business financing. Engage with industry experts, discover funding opportunities, and connect with a supportive community dedicated to the growth of Hispanic entrepreneurship.

How to Buy and Sell a Business, Sept. 18, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Unlock the secrets of buying and selling a business! Join a lively panel discussion featuring banking, legal, and business advisory experts. Gain invaluable insights into the due diligence required to successfully navigate the process, whether you're buying or selling.

Attention employers and vendors in the construction, labor, transportation, trades, manufacturing industries: The St. Pete Works collaborative, led by St. Petersburg College, in partnership with the City of St. Petersburg, Pinellas County Urban League, and the People Empowering and Restoring Communities (PERC), and CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas is hosting the Manufacturing and Construction Career Expo to connect career seekers with industry leaders. Interested in participating? Complete the application form online.

Applications Open for Employment Sites Program, Round 7

Pinellas County has committed over $90 million to assist in the construction and redevelopment of industrial (manufacturing & flex) and office buildings to facilitate a strong and robust local economy that provides growth opportunities for existing businesses and attracts new target industry employers. How can the program help your business? Visit our website to explore the details and benefits. The Round 7 application period closes at 4:00 p.m. September 20.

Save the Date: Pinellas County Reverse Trade Show - October 11

This event provides a unique opportunity for businesses to engage directly with procurement professionals, learn about the procurement process, and understand the intricacies of securing government contracts. Don't miss this chance to navigate the procurement landscape, forge essential connections, and position your business for success in government contracting at this highly anticipated annual event in Pinellas County.

Was Your Business Damaged by Hurricane Debby?

Take the Business Damage Assessment Survey: Business owners can self-report physical and economic damage caused by Hurricane Debby. Survey responses will allow the state to expedite Hurricane Debby recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of impacted businesses. Visit  https://floridajobs.org/floridadisaster.biz and select “Hurricane Debby” from the dropdown menu. 

Governor DeSantis announced the activation of the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $10 million available for businesses impacted by Hurricane Debby. Florida small business owners in need of assistance, including sole proprietors, are encouraged to visit www.FloridaJobs.org/EBL to apply for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program. Apply now through September 30, 2024, or until all available funds are expended.

It’s been another award-winning year for the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at PCED! The Florida SBDC Network State Performance Awards were announced Aug. 21 and the Florida SBDC at USF, with whom we partner to host the Florida SBDC at PCED, was recognized with the Region of the Year Award. Our own Yolanda Goodloe received the Florida Star of the Year Award for helping Florida small businesses access substantial amounts of capital, and Debra Schweikowsky was recognized with a service year award for her five years of hard work and commitment to the Florida SBDC Network.

Congratulations to all of the winners, and a very special thank you to our team for the dedicated work they do every day to help small businesses grow in #PinellasCounty!