Small Business

Daughter of Cuban immigrant launches bouquet business that’s blooming all over town

Mother’s Day is just days away and Linda Quinn is banking on people having trouble finding the perfect gift. She says she was inspired by her own mother's work ethic.

May 7

Apollo Beach community rallies, saves brewery from going bust during pandemic

The pandemic hit restaurant and brewery businesses especially hard, but one community in Apollo Beach wasn't prepared to say goodbye to their local watering hole.

May 7

Restaurant Revitalization Fund to help 100,000 businesses keep doors open

Relief is on the way for 100,000 small businesses across the country with the launch of the Biden Administration's Restaurant Revitalization Fund.

May 5

Parking spots turned into patio seating could remain after pandemic, St. Pete says

As part of a program called Restart St. Pete, the city told restaurants they could use concrete barriers to separate traffic from parking spots converted into outdoor seating areas. Restaurants and the city hope to continue the program past the pandemic.

April 26

For Dugout Mug inventor, major-league dream turns into the American dream

Randall Thompson never made it to the major leagues, but this former Toronto minor leaguer's idea has. Dugout Mugs popped into Randall's head while sitting on the bench coaching at his alma mater, Florida Tech.

April 14

Clearwater launches incentive program to help revitalize downtown

Often recognized as having one of the world’s best beaches, Clearwater wants its long-overlooked downtown to share the love.

April 13

One year after shutdown, business owners feeling optimistic about rebounding

April 1 is a very significant date for Harvey's 4th Street Grill in St. Pete because it is not only the restaurant's 37th anniversary, but it also marks one year since Governor Ron DeSantis signed an executive order closing all non-essential businesses.

April 1

This St. Pete craft brewery opened on the day everything closed

James Coleman is proud to serve. First, as a Marine, he served his country. Now, he’s happy to be serving beer, one year after an opening day to remember.

April 1

Former Plant High School star starts new chapter

Orson Charles starred at Plant High School during its football zenith. Now, after seven NFL seasons, he is done playing. Just don't use the word "retired."

March 24

Now hiring: Busy beach businesses look to bounce back from pandemic closures

Take a quick drive down Gulf Boulevard in Pinellas County and you’ll see a lot of “Help Wanted” signs. Spring break season has brought about an overwhelming hiring need.

March 2

New Tampa program bridging equity gaps and helping startups succeed in Tampa

A new program, Equity in Entrepreneurship is helping startups get off the ground in Tampa.

February 23

PPP loans offered to businesses with up to 20 employees starting Feb. 24

The Biden Administration announced changes Monday to the Paycheck Protection Program, an effort to reach smaller and minority-owned businesses left behind in previous rounds of coronavirus aid.

February 22

Biden temporarily targets PPP loans to smallest and minority-owned businesses

The Biden administration is readying changes to the PPP aimed at targeting assistance to businesses that employ 20 or fewer workers and those that are minority-owned.

February 22

Black entrepreneurs find success at St. Petersburg's 1Pier

Along the St. Petersburg pier, you'll find several kiosks where entrepreneurs sell their products. But then there's 1Pier, a kiosk of nine entrepreneurs, all African-American women with different businesses, banding together.

February 18

Black-owned businesses get boost from dedicated bus tour

Candy Lowe is leading a group on a shopping spree throughout Tampa, stopping at businesses owned and operated by African Americans.

February 11

Bay Area oyster farmers building back Florida's aquaculture industry

A Bay Area couple is working to build back Florida's oyster industry after the Apalachicola Bay oyster fishery was shut down. They now manage the first aquaculture oyster farm in the history of Tampa Bay.

February 8