Tech entrepreneur invests in cybersecurity education
ST. LEO – For Tampa-based tech entrepreneur Arnie Bellini, cybersecurity is a mission.
Bellini is taking steps to ensure more people have the skills to protect businesses, organizations and the nation. With funding from Bellini, Saint Leo University is launching a new cybersecurity certification program and skills courses, beginning Oct. 1.
“The global cost of cybercrime is a staggering $8 trillion,” said Bellini, managing director of Bellini Capital. “Nation-states must defend their digital borders with the same urgency as their physical ones. We chose Saint Leo for this mission to significantly increase the number of cybersecurity professionals, given the university’s strong reputation in cybersecurity training.”
Saint Leo University’s College of Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Data Science is partnering with ConnectWise founder Bellini and John Strand, owner of Black Hills Information Security, to offer this online, self-paced program.
The curriculum for the cybersecurity certification program includes three courses:
- Security Operations Center Core Skills
- Getting Started in Security
- Introduction to Cyber Deception
Register at www.saintleo.edu/cybersecurity.
Bellini also donated software to Saint Leo University to create a cybersecurity lab for hands-on student learning. The new lab features simulation software for practicing digital attack prevention and will support both the cybersecurity certification program and the university’s cybersecurity degree programs.
“We want to equip security practitioners with affordable and accessible training,” said Derek Mohammed, dean of the College of Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Data Science.
The skills courses and cybersecurity certification program are intended for those with some prior knowledge of cybersecurity, but the program is practical.
“The Tampa Bay area is quickly becoming a cybersecurity hub of talent and innovation,” Bellini said. “Our collective efforts will provide a talent pipeline for the many Tampa Bay organizations working to eliminate cybercrime.”
Firms make Inc. 5000 list
TAMPA – Eighty-eight firms in the Tampa metro area were included in the 2024 Inc. 5000, an annual listing of the fastest-growing private companies in America.
These firms spanned across several industries, including travel and hospitality, education, construction, health services, advertising and marketing and IT services.
A handful of companies from the Laker-Lutz coverage area appeared on the list:
- Land O’ Lakes: ROX Strategy (No. 1,993), Qualityze (No. 2,586)
- Lutz: Thorum (No. 880), ComplianceQuest (No. 1,714), CoVar Transportation (2,134)
- New Port Richey: Skillable (No. 4,383)
The top Tampa-area firms were KashKick (No. 11), Superfan Live (No. 30), FlyUSA (No. 45), StatPearls (No. 72) and HVN Travel Group (No. 213)
Greater Pasco Chamber happenings
NEW PORT RICHEY – The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce will hold new installments of its Medical Roundtable, Mastery Series and Membership Breakfast over the next 10 days.
- Dr. Victoria Menold, of W-E Primary Care & Acupuncture, speaks at the Greater Pasco Medical Roundtable from 8 to 9 a.m. Oct. 3 at Holiday Inn Express, 2125 Corporate Center Drive, Trinity.
- Warrior Wellness Program holds an open house from 3 to 6 p.m. with a chamber ribbon cutting at 4 p.m. Oct. 3 at 1750 Arcadia Road, Holiday.
- Tanner Kielty, of R.J. Kielty Plumbing, Heating, and Air, speaks during the Chamber Mastery Series from noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 9 via Microsoft Teams.
- New Port Richey City Manager Debbie Manns speaks during the Monthly Membership Breakfast from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Oct. 11 at Vesh Venue, 5811 Richey Drive, Port Richey.
Visit greaterpasco.com for registration information for these events and chamber information.
North Tampa Bay Chamber happenings
LAND O LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber will celebrate member businesses as well as hold its latest Leading Ladies Network event over the next 10 days.
- Durand Mortgage Group celebrates its grand opening from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Oct. 3 at 25200 Sawyer Francis Lane, Suite, 130 Lutz.
- Denise Welter, of Welter Law Office, speaks at the Leading Ladies Network from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Oct. 4 at North Tampa Bay Chamber – Wiregrass Office, 28210 Paseo Drive, #190, Wesley Chapel.
- Mod Wash holds a ribbon cutting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 10 at 5306 Ehrlich Road, Tampa.
- Blue Heron Senior Living Community celebrates its grand opening from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 10 at 5085 Eagleston Blvd., Wesley Chapel.
Visit northtampabaychamber.com for registration information for these events and chamber information.
Huey Magoo’s celebrating milestone
ORLANDO, FL – Huey Magoo’s is celebrating 20 years of serving the one-and-only “Filet Mignon Of Chicken” nationwide, President and CEO Andy Howard announced Sept. 25.
In honor of the milestone, Huey Magoo’s is introducing the limited time “2 for $20 Sweet Caroline Sandwich Combo Deal” available through Nov. 24.
The company has a restaurant in Odessa, located at 13372 Pine Gap Spur.
Huey Magoo’s is celebrating its 68th restaurant opening this month. It has locations in 12 states, with hundreds more franchises currently sold in 13 states.
SBA offers Hurricane Debby assistance
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – Hillsborough County business owners, homeowners, renters and nonprofits impacted by Hurricane Debby can apply for financial assistance with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The organization is offering three loan programs:
- Business Physical Damage Disaster SBA Loans – Businesses of any size, private and nonprofit organizations, religious organizations, etc. may use these loans to repair or replace property. Apply by Oct. 9.
- Home Disaster Loans – Homeowners or renters can use these loans to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including vehicles. Apply by Oct. 9.
- SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans – Small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private, nonprofit organizations can use these working capital loans to assist through disaster recovery. Apply by May 12, 2025 .
Call 800-827-5722 for details.
On the web: https://hcfl.gov/residents/stay-safe/storm-recovery-resources or https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance.
