Success Stories
Read stories of how companies have utilized the expertise and resources offered by PCED to find success in Pinellas County.
Pinellas County Economic Development
Foreign-Trade Zone Program Helps Pinellas County Businesses Gain a Competitive Advantage
On December 3, 2025, Pinellas County Economic Development’s Brent Barkway joined other international trade experts to provide information to businesses about the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) program. The event was held at Port Tampa Bay and sponsored by the Port, Pinellas County Economic Development (PCED), and Foreign-Trade Zone 79. Participants received critical information about how the FTZ program can help streamline the process and minimize the costs associated with qualified importing, exporting, manufacturing, and distribution activities.
Other past stories
- Pinellas Manufacturing Summit Explores the Industry’s Future in County
- Pinellas County Manufacturing Industry Event Draws More Than 50 Attendees and High Marks for Value
- The Grove Brings Business Back to Pinellas County Neighborhood
- Saturday Shoppes Extends Support for Emerging Businesses Across West Florida with Help from Pinellas County Economic Development
- Astaras, Inc. Opens New Manufacturing Facility in Pinellas County, Florida
- Small Business Fuels Big Growth Through Defense Contracting
- Foreign Direct Investment Mission to London Delivers Message: “Business is Better in Tampa Bay”
- Reverse Trade Show Connects More Than 100 Businesses to Tampa Bay Buyers
- Global Tampa Bay Launches Trade Mission to Mexico
- Florida Seating Expands in Pinellas County, Florida
- AGORA Edge Expands in Pinellas County, Florida
- Life-Saving Manufacturing Business Launches in Pinellas County, Florida
- Pinellas County’s International Business Development Efforts Attract Australian Delegation to Explore Trade Opportunities
- Hydro-Dyne Engineering Overcomes Challenges and Continues Growth with Assistance from PCED
- IMT Analytics Chooses Pinellas County, Florida for U.S. Expansion
- How Pinellas County Economic Development Is Using TampaBaySites.org to Drive Investment
- Networking Forum Creates Opportunities for Pinellas Defense Industry
- PCED Business Visit Helps Three Local Companies Access Tools to Fuel Growth
- Catalent Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to Mark Enhanced Development Capabilities and Additional Pilot Plant Area
- Europe’s Top Producer of Epoxy Finds a Footing in St. Petersburg, Florida with Assistance from Pinellas County Economic Development
- Pinellas County Commission Celebrates Completion of new Employment Sites Program Supported Industrial Building in Oldsmar, FL.
- Collision Conference 2022: Fostering Pinellas County’s Tech Industry Through Shared Partnership
- The #1-selling Sauce on Amazon.com Belongs to a Clearwater Small Business
- Pinellas County breaks ground on site of future Regional Business Incubator
Florida SBDC at Pinellas County
Resilient Family Legacy: Boutique Resorts Rebuild in St. Pete Beach after Disasters
After their business Plaza Beach Resorts sustained damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024, owners Robert and Mariuche Czyszczon turned to the Florida SBDC at Pinellas County Economic Development and business consultant Debra Schweikowsky, who helped them secure a $50,000 Florida Emergency Bridge Loan. That support enabled them to reopen and house displaced residents through FEMA’s Temporary Lodging Assistance program. “One of the biggest success stories has been housing local residents that lost their homes but now we’re finally ready to open up to our regular guests and we are welcoming them with open arms,” Mariuche said.
Other past stories
- Business Gains Success While Helping Organizations Thrive Through Culture
- Financial Advising Company Banks on Growth with help from the Florida SBDC at PCED
- Reaching for the Stars with Next-Gen Materials
- From Garage to Glass: Brewery Blends Craft Beer, Community, and Growth
- Pinellas Craft Brewery Pours Up a Glass to Business Resiliency and Success
- Pinellas AV Company Demonstrates Its Got What It Takes to Put on a Show
- Electrical Equipment Distributor Gains Traction, Expands to Bigger Pinellas County Location
- A Need for Innovation and Hygiene turns into Business Success
- Medical Care Business Flourishes While Advocating for the Underserved
- Woman Finds Her Passion in Real Estate, Giving Back
- Dumpsters 4 Rent Thrives by Serving Small Businesses
- Defense Company Gains Business Opportunities with Homeland Security and U.S Coast Guard
- Permanent Jewelry Business Finds New Home in St. Petersburg
- Flavorful Puerto Rican Food Truck Gets its Start in St. Petersburg
- Firefighting Alert System Makes Waves Across the United States
- IT Company Finds Success in St. Petersburg Technological Hub
- Tattoo Company Inks a Bright Future in Tarpon Springs
- Daydreamers Café
- The Crumb Factory
- Salty Sisters Gourmet Popcorn
- Caldwell Management Solutions
- Detail Depot
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