Business challenge
The Pasco Economic Development Council will host its second annual SMARTstart Challenge business pitch competition on Feb. 25 in partnership with Saint Leo University’s student business plan competition. Local entrepreneurs will compete for a combined $10,000 in prize money.
The first-place winner will receive a six-month, on-site membership in a SMARTstart Pasco Business Incubator. There are two incubators, one in Dade City and one in New Port Richey.
More than 20 start-up businesses competed in the inaugural event in 2015.
Applications will be evaluated on measures relating to important elements about the economics of the business and the ability of the applicant to be successful. Other considerations include market potential and research, the uniqueness of the business idea, evaluation of potential partners, financial plan and attractiveness of the business idea.
The application deadline is Jan. 8. Oral presentations of five minutes with a question and answer period from a panel of judges will be on Feb. 10. Five or six finalists will be selected for the final competition on Feb. 25.
The finals will be open to the public, with the first-place winner and runners-up announced at a reception following the presentations.
Applications are available online at SmartStartPasco.com.
For information about the challenge, call the SMARTstart Pasco Business incubators at (352) 437-4861, or email .
CABA celebrates 30 years
The Carrollwood Area Business Association will celebrate its 30th year with “Holiday After 5” on Dec. 16 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Heritage Harbor Golf & Country Club, 19502 Heritage Harbor Parkway in Lutz.
The event will feature ’80s music, the best ’80s attire contest, a dance contest, food and more.
The event is open to members and guests, and members of the community that have supported CABA.
For information and registration, visit USEcaba.com.
Chamber mixer
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will host a mixer on Dec. 17 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., hosted by Center State Bank at 6930 Gall Blvd.
For information, call the chamber office at (813) 782-1913, or email to .
Ribbon cutting
The Southern Sweetheart will have a ribbon cutting and open house on Dec. 19 from 10 a.m. to noon, at 38424 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills. The business offers event planning, embroidery, country chic items and clothing. The event is free and open to the public.
For information call (813) 382-0230, email , or visit TheSouthernSweetheart.com.
Doggie daycare
The Barkery Boarding & Daycare will have a ribbon cutting and grand opening on Dec. 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 5109 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road in Lutz. The event is free and open to the public.
For information, call (813) 920-9800, or visit BarkeryBoarding.com.
Grand opening
The Spa Moritz will host its grand opening on Jan. 6 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 17401 Commerce Park Blvd., in New Tampa.
For information on this free event, call (813) 971-4772 or visit SpaMoritz.com.
Networking lunch
The East Pasco Networking Group will have its “Next Regular Exciting Meeting” on Jan. 12 at 11:30 a.m., at Blackstone’s Bar & Restaurant, 38361 County Road 54 in Zephyrhills. The guest speaker will be Ed Caum, Pasco County’s tourism director.
For information, email Nils Lenz at , or visit the group’s website at Meetup.com/EastPascoNetworkingGroup/.
Business workshops
Pasco Economic Development Council will launch its next Co.Starters program on Jan. 12 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, 7050 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.
The 10-week nationally known business development program helps business entrepreneurs with the insights, relationships and tools to turn business ideas into action. The classes, on Tuesday nights, are offered through the SMARTstart Pasco Business Incubator program.
A facilitator will lead the collaborative process with a small and supportive group of like-minded peers. The goal is to provide an understanding of how to create a sustainable business.
The cost is $295 for the 10-week program.
Preregistration is required.
For information contact Krista Covey, program director, at (727) 478-0670 or (352) 437-4861, or visit PascoEDC.com/incubator/events/co-starters.
