SouthState Bank supports SMARTstart microloans
SouthState Bank has donated $5,000 to the Pasco Economic Development Council’s SMARTstart Microloan Program, bringing the bank’s total donations to the program to $55,000, according to a news release.
The program, which began in 2011, provides a source of funding for qualifying entrepreneurs who want to start to expand their businesses.
SouthState has been contributing to the microloan program since its inception.
“We are excited to see the true impact donations like this make in the Pasco County entrepreneurial community,” Skip Skairus, regional president of SouthState, said in the release from Pasco EDC.
“The Microloan Fund provides loans to businesses who are beginning their entrepreneurial journeys, and we would not be able to support them without the help of the local community through donations like these,” Bill Cronin, Pasco EDC president/CEO, added, in the release.
Since the program began, it has assisted over 75 local businesses and created over 260 jobs.
For additional details, visit SmartStartPasco.com/microloan, or contact Dan Mitchell, the SMARTstart program director, at .
Local business networking breakfast
The Starkey Ranch Library Theatre Cultural Center will host a free networking breakfast for local businesses featuring information resources available through the Pasco public library system and through Pasco County that help businesses meet their goals. Those attending are encouraged to bring business cards and promotional materials about their businesses.
The session will be on Feb. 29 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., at the library, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, in Odessa. Registration is required. Email Jayde Archbold for more information at .
Reporters receive ‘Climate Champion’ awards
Jessica Meszaros and Steve Newborn have been selected to receive “Climate Awards” from the Climate Adaption Center (CAC) for their expansive coverage of the impact of climate change on Florida residents, animals and landscapes, according to a news release.
“Steve and Jessica are tremendous reporters who continue to serve this region with extraordinary research and reporting, and we are thrilled that the CAC is recognizing them with these awards,” WUSF General Manager JoAnn Urofsky said, in the release. “Florida faces serious threats from climate change and helping the residents of Florida understand these challenges is an important part of our mission.”
The awards were expected to be delivered at a gala in downtown Sarasota on Feb. 15.
SCORE webinars
SCORE provides free business mentors and webinars that focus on specific topics aimed at helping businesses to thrive. Here are some upcoming webinars:
- Feb. 27, 1 p.m.: Business insurance basics: What you need to know
- March 7, 1 p.m.: How to create a budget that works for you
- March 12, 1 p.m.: Social media marketing strategies for your small business
Go to SCORE.org/pascohernando to register, or email or call 727-842-4638 for more information.
HART recognized for financial reporting excellence
The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART), according to a news release from HART. The GFOA Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, the release says. The award recognizes HART’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2022. Visit GoHART.org for more information.
Zephyrhills chamber breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce has its breakfast meeting at 7 a.m. on the first Thursday of each month at the Golden Corral, 6877 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. The cost is $15.
Economic development briefing
The North Tampa Bay Chamber will host an economic development briefing featuring J.D. Porter, the owner/developer of Wiregrass Ranch and the founder of the Wiregrass Ranch Foundation. The session is set for March 12 from 11:30 to 1 p.m., at NTBC at Signature Workspace at The Shops at Wiregrass, 28210 Paseo Ave., No. 190, in Wesley Chapel. RSVPs are required. Email for more information.
GROW Pasco
Take advantage of the opportunity to learn about a wide array of business topics at Grow Pasco, which is set for March 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Saint Leo University Wellness Center, 12338 Priory Circle, in San Antonio. Grow Pasco features 15 breakout sessions, led by some of the best business minds in the area. Go to the Pasco Economic Development Council’s website, PascoEDC.com, to find out more about the topics, the speakers and how to register.
East Pasco Networking Group
The East Pasco Networking Group invites speakers in on a variety of topics and gives people a chance to do some networking of their own. The group’s meeting begins at 7:30 a.m., at the IHOP in Dade City, 13100 U.S. 301, in Dade City. Here is its list of upcoming speakers:
March 12: Melonie Monson, past executive director/CEO of the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce and mayor of Zephyrhills; Randy Stover, provost dean emeritus of Pasco-Hernando State College; Kathryn Starkey, Pasco County Commission, District 3
April 9: Dr. John Legg, candidate for Pasco County Schools Superintendent; Christopher and Tammi Dester, director and founder of the Academy of Spectrum Diversity
May 14: Madonna Wise, retired educator and author
June 11: Peter Castellani, founder and director of Oasis Pregnancy Care Centers; Amy Yarborough, director of the Pregnancy Care Center; Dr. Chris Dunning, candidate for Pasco County Schools Superintendent
July 9: Mike Fasano, Pasco County tax collector; Vicki Wiggins, CEO, the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce
Aug. 13: Bill Cronin, president and CEO of Pasco Economic Development Council
Sept. 10: Brian Corley, Pasco County Supervisor of Elections
Oct. 8: Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller
Nov. 12: Todd Vande Berg, planning director of the City of Zephyrhills
Contact Nils R. Lenz at 813-782-9491 or , or any of the board members for suggested topics that you would like to hear about or to suggest specific speakers. If you would like to speak, contact the networking group now to schedule a time during the group’s meetings.
Pasco EDC seeks NetFest sponsors
The Pasco Economic Development Council is seeking sponsors for NetFest 2024. For more information, contact Amber Lake at .
