Business Development Week scheduled
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce has announced that Business Development Week is back and will be held Jan. 24 through Jan. 28. Sponsors of various levels are being sought. For more information, visit GreaterPasco.com.
Business research
As part of Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.’s Entrepreneur Education Series, local businesses can learn how to make smarter decisions using Big Data analysis. Businesses can get industry-specific and hyperlocal information. The research is individually customized for each company. The class, provided via Zoom, will be on Jan. 26, from noon to 1 p.m. Go to the PascoEDC.com event page to register.
GrowPasco
GrowPasco is an event aimed at equipping entrepreneurs and executives for growth.
The event, presented by the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., will feature 15 breakout sessions. The keynote speaker for the event is Peter Kageyama, author of “For the Love of Cities.”
The event is on Feb. 26 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Hyatt Place Tampa Wesley Chapel, 26000 Sierra Center Blvd., in Lutz. Registration is $40 for non-Pasco business and residents, and $20 for Pasco businesses and residents. The cost includes registration, workshop materials, breakfast and lunch. Go to the event page at PascoEDC.com to register.
Hub construction underway
The Hub at Bexley, a new shopping, dining and gathering space at State Road 54 near the Suncoast Parkway, will open in the summer of 2022, according to a news release.
The Hub at Bexley, positioned near the front entrance of the Bexley by Newland community, will feature green spaces, shade structures and open-air concepts. It aims to be a place where people can come together to work, meet with friends and family, and take care of all of life’s daily necessities.
SCORE offers free webinars
If you’re looking for ways to improve the performance of your business, you may want to check out some free seminars offered by Pasco-Hernando SCORE.
Upcoming sessions include:
- Jan. 8, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: How to Get (More) Paying Customers
Discover the secret of how to determine exactly who your customers are, what they want, and how you craft the perfect message and offer that results in buyers. You also can learn two powerful tactics that should be included in all sales marketing. The webinar will be presented live by Jay Snaric, Pasco-Hernando SCORE volunteer.
- Jan. 12, noon to 1 p.m.: How To Really Start Your Own Business
You will learn the key issues for starting a business: finding good people, structuring the business, understanding cash flow, finding the money, and creating a business plan. This webinar will be presented live by Bill Gelbach, Pasco-Hernando SCORE volunteer.
Payments in the Pines
Payments in the Pines offers business consulting services by evaluating and reducing businesses’ credit card processing fees. If needed, upgraded terminals and POS equipment are optional, according to a news release.
Any business that accepts credit cards online or in person can benefit from their service, according to Steffen Sheerin, owner of Payments in the Pines.
“Our success is grounded on increasing our clients profits, excellent customer service and trusted relationships,” Sheerin said, in the release.
For more information, contact Steffen Sheerin at (910) 315-5555 or .
Supply chain issues
Eighty-six percent of hotels say that supply chain issues are affecting their operations, according to a new survey of American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) members. More than 70% reported experiencing increased costs and a lack of availability for key items. More than half (52%) say the problem has grown worse over the past three months and 74% say supply chain issues are having a negative impact on business revenue.
Donations will provide swim lessons
SCP Distributors Inc., Superior Pool Products and parent company POOLCORP is partnering with the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA to provide scholarships to provide water safety lessons for area children. Donated funds will provide 100 Lifeguard Training Scholarships and Safety Around Water (SAW) lessons for more than 1,400 children who otherwise might not be able to afford to participate, according to a news release.
Nominations sought
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2022 National Small Business Week (NSBW) Awards, according to a news release. The NSBW Awards recognize the achievements of SBA-assisted small businesses, and the contributions they have made to their communities and the nation’s economy.
All nominations should be submitted electronically by 3 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on Jan. 11.
The awards will be presented during the NSBW Awards ceremony in the first week of May 2022.
To nominate a small business owner in your area or download related forms, criteria and guidelines, visit SBA.gov/nsbw.
National awards
Hillsborough County Fleet Management has been named the top government fleet in the country, and its leader, Robert Stine, has been named the top fleet management director.
The honors were announced on Nov. 16 at the Government Fleet Expo and Conference in Orlando.
