Amplify Clearwater, a business advocacy organization, is partnering with Clearwater-based Economic Impact Catalyst to launch the first tourism business incubator in Florida.
During a Clearwater City Council meeting Aug. 17, Amanda Payne, president/CEO of Amplify, and David Ponraj, CEO of EIC, received a unanimous vote in favor of allocating $250,000 of American Rescue Plan Act funds to launch the incubator.
“The incubator will be focused on cultivating and strengthening the area’s tourism ecosystem. It specifically focuses on innovation and sustainability within the industry sector,” said Denise Sanderson, the director of economic development and housing for the city and staff liaison for the project, in a statement.
The incubator is set to launch its first 10-week cohort in October, followed by a second cohort in spring 2024.
According to a release, in between cohorts, boot camp classes will be held for small businesses.
“Small businesses are the backbone of America, are 60 times more innovative than large firms, and account for 64% of new jobs,” said Councilmember Lina Teixeira, “so I am glad this will be available to them. It invites great talent and innovation to come to Clearwater.”
Tourism is the No. 1 economic driver in Pinellas County, where visitors spend $353 every second, and with over 109,000 jobs created last year, according to recent data from Visit St Pete/Clearwater.
