• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About Us
  • Videos
    • Featured Video
    • Foodie Friday
    • Monthly ReCap
  • Online E-Editions
    • This Week’s E-Editions
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
  • Social Media
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
  • Advertising
  • Local Jobs
  • Puzzles & Games
  • Circulation Request

The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

       

Click to join our weekly e-newsletter

  • Home
  • News
    • Land O’ Lakes
    • Lutz
    • Wesley Chapel/New Tampa
    • Zephyrhills/East Pasco
    • Business Digest
    • Senior Parks
    • Nature Notes
    • Featured Stories
    • Photos of the Week
    • Reasons To Smile
  • Sports
    • Land O’ Lakes
    • Lutz
    • Wesley Chapel/New Tampa
    • Zephyrhills and East Pasco
    • Check This Out
  • Education
  • Pets/Wildlife
  • Health
    • Health Events
    • Health News
  • What’s Happening
  • Sponsored Content
    • Closer Look
  • Homes
  • Obits
  • Public Notices

PEDC earns international award for business enterprise network

October 23, 2013 By Michael Hinman

The International Economic Development Council had reason to recognize Pasco County earlier this month, bestowing its Gold Excellence in Economic Development Award to the Pasco Economic Development Council.

PEDC had established an unconventional, collaborative entrepreneurship program called the Pasco Enterprise Network. From that, a new business incubator, as well as a microloan fund for small businesses, was formed.

“These awards are meant to honor the organizations and individuals who are dedicated to making a positive change in their communities,” IEDC chair Paul Krutko said in a release. PEDC “uses creative solutions and inventive ideas, and offers other regions a wonderful example to learn and benefit from.”

The enterprise network, recognized as the best of the best for communities with populations of between 200,000 and 500,000 people, is a one-stop resource for finding guidance and assistance for new businesses, according to the PEDC’s website. It’s a collaborative effort of nonprofit groups that provide consulting, counseling, education and technical assistance.

“Basically, this was all put into place because there was a lack of capital for startup businesses and small businesses in the county,” said Krista Covey, the PEDC’s economic development manager. “We are about job creation and about supporting our local economy to help our businesses grow and be prosperous. The hindrance was capital.”

The microloan program has put capital back on the market, especially during a time in the recent past when banks weren’t exactly lending to small businesses. With a pool of $320,000 thanks to investments from Saint Leo University, various banks and other groups, nine loans of up to $35,000 have been distributed so far with low interest rates and terms of no more than six years.

The loans themselves have created 24 jobs in the county, Covey said, and this past summer, even had its first payoff when 301 Designs Inc. paid back its loan 17 months ahead of schedule.

An online retail apparel company, 301 Designs started in the home of its founder, Gil Gauthier, and is now operating out of a 2,400-square-foot warehouse space.

“If a company comes in and has a good business plan in place, that’s great,” Covey said. “Even if they don’t have a business plan, we automatically refer them to the small business development center and they’ll be walked through the whole process.”

Even if a company qualifies for money under the microloan program, the help doesn’t stop there.

“We offer ongoing technical assistance along with the other help they’ll receive from the PEDC,” Covey said. “We want them to be successful, and we want them to be a viable business.”

Joining Saint Leo as financial contributors to the microloan program are Pasco County, Wells Fargo Bank, Bank of America, CenterState Bank, Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union, local entrepreneur Tim Tangredi, and Rubber Resources owner Dale Hawker.

Its incubator at the Dade City Business Center is the first of its kind in Pasco County. The SmartStart incubator is an overall partnership that includes the help of Dade City government officials, the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, Florida High Tech Corridor Council, Saint Leo, the Florida Small Business Development Center, and the University of South Florida’s USF Connect.

The IEDC has more than 4,000 members around the world, and its excellence in economic development awards recognizes the world’s best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials, and most influential leaders.

This award is the sixth state- or national-level accolade in the last three years for the PEDC.

“We know that a successful economy depends on small businesses and the support of entrepreneurship,” said PEDC chief executive John Hagen, in a release. “Working together as a support network, entrepreneurs will be more likely to succeed.”

Share this:

  • Tweet
  • Share on Tumblr
  • Email
  • Print

Like this:

Like Loading...

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Coloring Contest

Download and Color

Search

The Recap Presents…

Sponsored Content

Brunch Spots in Pasco County Worth Waking Up For

July 5, 2022 By Kelli Carmack

Searching for a new brunch spot in Pasco County to add to your favorites list? Whether you’re in the mood for something … [Read More...] about Brunch Spots in Pasco County Worth Waking Up For

Toni Hedstrom Gets Creative for Buyers and Sellers

June 28, 2022 By Kelli Carmack

Toni Hedstrom, a Lutz resident for 13 years and real estate agent for Compass Realty, is always looking to be creative, … [Read More...] about Toni Hedstrom Gets Creative for Buyers and Sellers

More Posts from this Category

What’s Happening

07/07/2022 – Community conversation

The City of Zephyrhills will host a public meeting, “Community Conversation,” on July 7 at 6 p.m., at the Zephyrhills Depot Museum, 39110 South Ave. The city aims to collect ideas from residents, business owners, workers and other community stakeholders to create a citywide vision for 2035. To learn how to participate and get involved, visit Plan2035.zhills.city. … [Read More...] about 07/07/2022 – Community conversation

07/07/2022 – Floridian Cuisine

The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will host a “Floridian Cuisine” presentation on July 7 at 6 p.m. Participants can learn how to prepare quick and healthy meals using a variety of seafood, poultry and meat, with locally grown fruits and vegetables. There also will be an explanation of various cultures that have contributed to Floridian cuisine, as well as creative ways to use fruit and spices, healthy options for a cookout, and simple desserts. The presentation will end with a cooking demonstration that can be replicated at home in less than 15 minutes. Registration is online at PascoLibraries.org. … [Read More...] about 07/07/2022 – Floridian Cuisine

07/07/2022 – Ocean science

The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will host a session on “Ocean Science” on July 7 at 2 p.m., for sixth through 12th grades. Topics will include how whales stay warm and surviving the Titanic. Register online at PascoLibraries.org. … [Read More...] about 07/07/2022 – Ocean science

07/07/2022 – Pirate tattoos

The New River Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, will offer two Pirate Tattoos programs on July 7, at 3 p.m., for preteens; and at 5 p.m., for teens. Participants can get creative and express themselves with hand-drawn tattoos and shrinky dinks. For information, call 813-788-6375. To register, visit PascoLibraries.org. … [Read More...] about 07/07/2022 – Pirate tattoos

07/07/2022 – Watercolor class

The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will present a Watercolor Workshop: Powerful Primaries on July 7 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., for ages 9 and older. Participants can explore the power of using three primary colors in this watercolor class. All supplies will be provided. Register online at PascoLibraries.org. … [Read More...] about 07/07/2022 – Watercolor class

07/09/2022 – Master gardening

The Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St., will present “Ask a Master Gardener” on July 9 at 9 a.m., and “Container Gardening for Butterflies” at 10 a.m. Participants can learn how to prepare a container to attract butterflies or other pollinators. For information, call 813-780-0064. … [Read More...] about 07/09/2022 – Master gardening

More of What's Happening

Follow us on Twitter

The Laker/Lutz News Follow

Your home for weekly news that impacts your life and community. Serving Land O' Lakes, Lutz, New Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills and Dade City.

LakerLutzNews
lakerlutznews The Laker/Lutz News @lakerlutznews ·
1 Jul

LCOAL UPDATE: Mike Carballa is Pasco County’s new interim administrator, effective July 30. He has been selected to replace Dan Biles as the county’s new administrator, when Biles’ contract lapses on Oct. 1. Full story: https://lakerlutznews.com/lln/2022/06/103096/

Reply on Twitter 1542894556789833730 Retweet on Twitter 1542894556789833730 Like on Twitter 1542894556789833730 Twitter 1542894556789833730
Retweet on Twitter The Laker/Lutz News Retweeted
mositampa MOSI @mositampa ·
1 Jul

We continue to celebrate MOSI’s 60th Anniversary through our Social Media Contest. In July, we are asking our friends to submit a funny Science meme or photo. Submissions accepted July 1- July 31. Winning submission gets one free MOSI Pioneer Membership. https://conta.cc/39JPT09

Reply on Twitter 1542817813831745537 Retweet on Twitter 1542817813831745537 4 Like on Twitter 1542817813831745537 8 Twitter 1542817813831745537
Retweet on Twitter The Laker/Lutz News Retweeted
pascocountypio Pasco County PIO @pascocountypio ·
30 Jun

#HurricaneSeason 2022 TIP: High winds can whip up with or without warning - having the same effect as a strong thunderstorm or tornado. Older homes can be more at risk. To minimize damage, keep up with home repairs. More info http://MyPasco.net #PascoCounty #PascoPrepares

Reply on Twitter 1542568660304142338 Retweet on Twitter 1542568660304142338 4 Like on Twitter 1542568660304142338 2 Twitter 1542568660304142338
Load More

Archives

 

 

Where to pick up The Laker and Lutz News

Copyright © 2022 Community News Publications Inc.

    Doc
%d bloggers like this: