We've seen both the cities of St. Petersburg and Tampa get involved in helping startups, along with the University of South Florida and University of Tampa.
Now, a local community college is helping raise startups up and consequently, the ecosystem as a whole.
Hillsborough Community College created the Everyday Entrepreneur Venture Fund seed fund in 2018, after becoming one of four colleges selected in the country to win a $250,000 gift from the Everyday Entrepreneur Venture Fund Foundation. It beat out 107 other applicants for the gift.
The venture fund is used to help fund startups who complete one of the college's "InLab@HCC Entrepreneurship" programs, which are given to the startups in grants, interest free loans and below market interest bearing loans. The fund has now grown to $500,000 after the college secured a matching grant following the Everyday Entrepreneur Venture Fund gift.
In that time, 11 startups received funding from the college. In 2019, five student businesses that created a total $332,000 in revenue and nine jobs were chosen for funding and in December of that same year, an additional six companies were approved for funding. The total 11 companies reach almost $800,000 in revenue.
Officials are hopeful the fund can eventually grow to $5 million.
We've got a list of the funded companies and a rundown of what they do, according to the college, below.
• Axon Motor Company LLC - Through reverse engineering and new design, Axon specializes in the design and fabrication of electric motors and generators where power-density and efficiency are prioritized.
• FB Collections LLC - Custom premium men’s shoe and loafer designer and manufacturer.
• Swenson’s Renovations & Repairs LLC - A family home renovations and repair company.
• Forgot or Knot, LLC - A veteran owned service provider that creates a highly personalized gift experience by purchasing, hand delivering gifts on the customers behalf while allowing users to create a 60 second personalized video message.
• Sonera Design LLC - Sustainable, eco-friendly fashion designer and manufacturer for petite women.
• KMD 89 Consulting LLC - A veteran owned business that provides consultancy services for veterans looking to maximize their VA benefits compensation.
• LAB Theater Project, Inc. - A veteran owned production company focused on producing new works in the Tampa Bay community. Lab supports rising playwrights and training new theater artists.
• YUJ Granola, LLC - A veteran and military spouse family owned granola manufacturer. They call their granola product “Enlightened”, because it is much more than a granola. The enlightened granola boasts seven different kinds of nuts and seeds, packing an antioxidant punch unlike any other. YÜJ Enlightened Granola donates 10% of proceeds to children’s and environmental charities each month.
• Carolina Conner Custom Homes Corp. - A minority, bilingual, veteran small business company. Serves clients interested in the Tampa Bay Luxury Market to renovate their residential homes prior to listing or a new homeowner that is ready to remodel after closing.
• Josh Bozarth Photography LLC - A full-service professional photography company that specializes in making weddings, elopements, and unique experiences exceptional experiences filled with memories that last a lifetime.
• SCALP Enterprises LLC - A manufacturer of a snapback fashioned, universal eyewear retainer for thrill seeking enthusiasts.
