The City of Clearwater announces the launch of Clearwater Business SPARK, a network of resources provided by partners to support businesses and entrepreneurs in every stage of business.

The Clearwater Business SPARK network is made up of partners who are equipped to help identify and obtain resources needed to grow businesses and assist entrepreneurs in the greater Clearwater area. The partners in the network have the resources to assist in starting a business, expanding a business, networking, accessing funding and recommending hands-on tools to create a product.

“The creation of Clearwater Business SPARK begins a relationship between the city and its local partners that will ignite entrepreneurship and business development in greater Clearwater and enhance the city’s future and its business community,” said Clearwater Mayor George Cretekos.

The partners of Clearwater Business SPARK include the city of Clearwater’s Economic Development and Housing Department, Clearwater Public Library System, Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce, Florida Small Business Development Center of Pinellas County and TAFFIE -- Technical Arts Facility for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

The partners in the network provide a comprehensive mix of programs and services that include business coaching, collaboration opportunities, educational programs, training, access to financing, incubator services, meeting and training spaces, makerspaces, online research databases, site selection, permitting assistance, guidance in international business markets and workforce development.

The city of Clearwater’s role in Clearwater Business SPARK is reflective of its ongoing support of entrepreneurs, small businesses, economic development and economic growth in greater Clearwater. A goal of the city’s Economic Development Strategic Plan is to support entrepreneurship and business innovation to attract, develop and grow industries. The Urban Land Institute, a Washington, D.C., nonprofit, completed a downtown redevelopment study in 2014 and provided recommendations that included the development of a network to support entrepreneurs and small businesses at every stage of development.