The Pasco County Board of County Commissioners has approved an Amended and Restated Funding Agreement with the Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) for additional funding in FY2018/2019 and a two year extension, beyond the original cooperative funding agreement. This agreement provides additional funding, in the amount of $2,028,000 from the JEO Trust Fund, to execute the following programs and services:

1. Pasco Ready Sites Program: Identify, evaluate, preserve and market available land for targeted industries.

2. Entrepreneurship Program: These services, collectively known as the SMARTstart program, includes business support programs from start-up to mature growth companies located in Pasco County. Services will be coordinated among various business development organizations and include proven systems for the development of successful businesses, direct business education, and development services:

a. CO.STARTERS - A cohort to support business development

b. CEO Round Tables - Collaborate with industry CEOs in a confidential setting to exchange insights on business, industry and leadership.

c. Business Incubators - Connect with your customers in a professional office space.

d. Pasco Microloan - Apply for a low interest small business loan.

e. Pasco Enterprise Network - A partnership of successful business people and resources for counseling and advice.

3. International Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Program: Attract and assist international companies looking to expand or relocate to Pasco County.

4. International Trade Program: Provide awareness and assistance to Pasco County companies interested in importing and exporting in international markets.

5. Pasco Pipeline Program: This three year pilot program intends to bridge the workforce gap between employers and potential employees.  The talent pipeline website will use multiple data collection platforms to provide a central resource that matches corporation and industry needs to residents with the required workforce skills and training.

See the Original Funding Agreement