| Gretchen's Gatherings |
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| Ask and you shall receive - help for small businesses is available! We've heard of "survival of the fittest" - survival to a small business owner in today's economy means taking advantage of every available resource offered, rather than trying to "go it alone." A team of professionals is ready and waiting to help you implement solutions, so that you can survive and thrive. The Seminole Chamber has the tools to assist you with: * emergency loan information * employee transition packages * customized training * legal assistance * business plans * marketing * permitting information * technology * tax incentives For help in any of these areas, contact the Seminole Chamber office at (727) 392-3245, and we will arrange to meet with you to discuss your needs and a positive course of action. The following are specific programs small businesses can utilize that bring results: Business Assistance Partnership The Business Assistance Partnership provides a vital link from the Seminole Chamber to the city of Seminole and Pinellas County's department of Economic Development. Through the BAP program, we assist existing businesses and provide avenues for new businesses to flourish in the Seminole area. We offer business plan development, financing source identification and information on permitting, zoning information and government regulations. We are currently building a data base of employer needs and may call upon you to help us fill out a BAP survey. For more details, log on to www.siliconbay.org. Worknet Pinellas Both job seekers and employers benefit through participation in WorkNet Pinellas, a public-private partnership. A system of one-stop career centers for the unemployed, from entry level jobs to potentially high skill/high demand positions, provides job placement and training, temporary cash assistance, help filling out unemployment insurance claims, and support services such as subsidized childcare and transportation. Benefits to employers include tax credits, job fairs, prescreened applicants and access to labor market research and information. You can log on at www.worknetpinellas.org or call (727) 524-4344. Redevelopment Project in Seminole For a list of redevelopment projects and "empty storefronts" for lease or sale, e-mail Gretchen at gcain@ij.net Space Technology Outreach Program A rocket scientist can help you find answers to your workplace challenges. The Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program matches small business owners with NASA technology and a consortium of private corporations. For example, a Pinellas Park glass artist consulted SATOP when he needed a plan to reduce his electric bill by keeping heat inside his furnace. Engineers used the design and materials behind the space shuttle's heat tiles and an expensive situation was fixed. Applications for assistance are available at the Seminole Chamber office, 8400 113th Street North. Good Business Pinellas Radio Tune in to Good Busines Pinellas and hear concerns and ideas from the business community on AM radio 1340 station WTAN. Hour-long programs are each Wednesday, 4 - 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 - 11 p.m.; Sunday, 6 - 7 p.m. To participate, call Pinellas Co. Economic Development at (727) 464-7332 or visit the web site at www.tantalk1430.com For additional information, click the Business Assistance button on the Seminole Chamber home page. |
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