News

Nine Black businesswomen were honored Saturday for their participation in 1Pier. The nine entrepreneurs have made history as the first African-American business collective to operate a kiosk at the St. Pete Pier Marketplace. 1Pier is a social enterprise concept designed to invest in participating retailers’ growth by covering about 70 percent of the total cost … Continue reading One Community Plan honors Black businesswomen, 1Pier

The One Community Plan team at Pinellas County Urban League launched its second microgrant program Friday evening, as part of the #InThisTogether COVID Recovery & Resilience Initiative. The first microgrant program – called #PayItForward St. Pete – was rolled out in late March to support entrepreneurs in the beauty industry which was decimated by social … Continue reading One Community Launches Second Microgrant Program for St. Petersburg Businesses

When disasters erupt, African American entrepreneurs are typically a small factor in the multi-billion-dollar recovery markets that result. Take one of Florida’s most recent emergencies as an example. Hurricane Irma was called the costliest storm in state history, not only in lives lost, but in dollars spent to rebound from the devastation. The state suffered … Continue reading Helping St. Pete Businesses Meet COVID Critical Supply Shortages

Last Thursday, St. Petersburg NAACP President Maria Scruggs issued an email to 40+ community leaders challenging the decision, supposedly made by Pinellas County Commissioners and Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, to shut down businesses that are disproportionately owned by African Americans, as part  of the effort to the COVID contagion. “It appears that Sheriff Gualtiere (sic) has … Continue reading 3 Reasons for the Hype re COVID Shutdowns of Hair Businesses in South St. Petersburg

All trades and all experience levels welcome! This Construction Fair welcomes interested contractors and tradespeople to learn about the opportunity to complete work on The New St. Pete Pier™. Date: April 18, 2018 Time: 10 am to 1 pm Location: Pinellas Technical College, 904 34th Street South in St. Petersburg Project Description: The New St. … Continue reading Request for Participation-The New St Pete Pier Construction Workforce Fair

With an announcement coming soon about Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County’s new office location in South St Petersburg, the agency is hiring a few positions that will be focused on work in the community, including: Director of Community Relations Program Services Coordinator Office Assistant Habitat is rounding out a year-long push to invest $1.5 … Continue reading Habitat Hiring New South St. Pete Staff

St. Petersburg, FL – May 7, 2018 - On May 23rd, 2018, St. Pete’s local version modelled after the critically acclaimed and multi-Emmy® Award-winning reality show, SHARK TANK®, called SHARK TANK® Lite will present 15 young entrepreneurs and their businesses with hopes of convincing four judges that their business will undoubtedly launch them to entrepreneurial … Continue reading 15 Young Entrepreneurs Compete in St. Pete’s SHARK TANK Lite for Cash & Prizes, May 23rd

Thanks for joining me! On April 19th at 9 a.m., Pinellas County government leaders will convene a “listening session” with local business owners and community leaders to discuss changes to its small business development and purchasing programs. Dr. Cynthia Johnson says “If you haven’t already done so, please submit your RSVP asap!” Johnson and other … Continue reading “Open for Business,” Pinellas leaders host minority & small businesses for session re purchasing policies