Small Business

Pet care business give boost to local non-profit serving heroes through service dogs

Scoop Soldiers, has donated at least more than $50,000 to Valor Service Dogs, a non-profit training and placing dogs with combat wounded veterans. The president of Scoop Soldiers said supporting the mission was a no-brainer.

November 11, 2022 10:49pm EST

USF to host supplier diversity event aimed at knocking down barriers for minority business owners

It’s hard enough starting your own business, so the University of South Florida is hosting a supplier diversity event this week to knock down barrier for minority-owned businesses.

October 25, 2022 12:14pm EDT

Air Force veteran turns artisan soap making into Palmetto business

Sol Soap is a small, handmade artisan soap company based in Palmetto, and it's run by a retired Air Force veteran.

October 5, 2022 3:13pm EDT

St. Pete restaurant owner shows pride for Ukraine with recent successes against Russia

Roman Voloshyn's longtime dream of opening a Ukrainian restaurant in St. Petersburg has become a reality. His dream took on a new sense of urgency after the Russian invasion threatened the existence of his home country, and his mom and dad who still live in Ukraine.

September 14, 2022 9:39pm EDT

Seminole Heights road closures, construction creates nightmare for businesses and homeowners

Businesses along part of Florida Avenue in Tampa's Seminole Heights neighborhood received some tough news this week. The city announced a road project, originally estimated to last three weeks, would be extended for an additional two weeks.

September 9, 2022 8:11pm EDT

Former Lakeland mayor asks city for $800,000 to help small minority businesses

One of Lakeland's former mayors is asking the city for $800,000 to help small businesses owned by minorities and others.

August 25, 2022 7:50pm EDT

Spectra Chrome in Clearwater makes items shine

Hundreds of shiny, chrome items populate a Clearwater warehouse. It's the home of Spectra Chrome.

August 23, 2022 5:18pm EDT

New rental service at Tampa International Airport aims to ease parents' load while traveling with kids

A new business opened at Tampa International Airport aimed at easing the load on parents who are traveling with their kids. Starting as soon as they land, passengers can take advantage of the new rental service, Our Little Suitcase.

August 19, 2022 7:09am EDT

First cat café in Tampa provides safe space for rescue cats in need of forever home

Cats and Caffeine is Tampa's first cat café that provides rescued cats with a unique temporary foster home. The café fosters the kitties in the lounge providing them a safe space for their personalities to flourish.

August 11, 2022 2:40pm EDT

Florida small business owner sues Biden administration over race, gender quotas in infrastructure law

A Florida small business owner and immigrant from Romania is suing the Biden administration over race and gender quotas in the infrastructure law, passed last December.

July 23, 2022 5:07pm EDT

Two family businesses destroyed in Tampa riots after George Floyd' death reopen

The riots in Tampa that followed George Floyd’s death caused millions in property damage, and took an especially heavy toll on small, family-run businesses.

June 3, 2022 9:34pm EDT

'A complete nightmare': Tampa cigar shop plagued by fake Google reviews

A popular Tampa cigar bar has quickly become a fan favorite since it opened for business last year. But, a recent onslaught of negative reviews were able to drop her business' Google rating within 48 hours. Tech experts said negative fake reviews are a rising trend.

May 27, 2022 4:40pm EDT