Greater Tampa Bay (GTB) tops the charts as one of the nation’s most thriving places for business.
The region consistently ranks as one of the best places to start, run or relocate a business. It is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas, with multiple industry sectors experiencing significant growth in recent years.
There are numerous factors that make GTB (predominantly Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties) so favorable for an array of businesses. Several highly-ranked colleges and universities supply a steady stream of young talent. Excellent leadership and local governments adopt pro-business policies and support smart development. Innovation districts, research centers, incubators and entrepreneurial networks keep industries on the cutting edge of their fields.
The relatively inexpensive living costs; attractive quality of life factors like world-class entertainment, beaches and cultural attractions; support for women and minorities in business; opportunities for professional development; lack of personal income tax and variety of vibrant communities make GTB a very desirable place to live and work.
Connectivity is high no matter where a company or resident lives in the region. GTB has two top-ranked international airports, the closest deep-water port to the Panama Canal and multiple transportation routes including the Interstate 4 warehouse, distribution and logistics corridor.
In short, every element that a small business, Fortune 500 company and everything in between needs to thrive can be found here. GTB is not just a vacation destination, but also a vocation destination.
Target Industries
Economic development organizations in the Greater Tampa Bay region identify several target industry clusters that help power each area’s economy.
The St. Petersburg Area Economic Development Corporation defines five target industries as part of its Grow Smarter initiative, an equity-focused economic development strategy. This initiative is designed to promote equitable growth within a diversified economy:
- Data analytics
- Financial services
- Specialized manufacturing
- Marine and life sciences
- Creative arts and design
Pasco Economic Development Council:
- Advanced manufacturing
- Aerospace, aviation and defense
- Business and professional services
- High technology
- Life sciences and medical technology
- Logistics and distribution
Tampa Bay Economic Development Council:
- Financial and professional services
- Information technology
- Life sciences and health care
- Defense and security
- Manufacturing
- Distribution and logistics
- Corporate headquarters
“The Greater Tampa Bay area is increasingly recognized internationally as a premier high-tech hub. Fueled by an economic engine at the pre-eminent University of South Florida, the local ecosystem benefits from an influx of capital and a tight-knit community of passionate doers with a shared vision for the future.”
— The Florida High Tech Corridor
Businesses interested in exploring opportunities to start up or move to one of GTB’s communities have plenty of help and support. Get connected with our partners:
- Amplify Clearwater
- St. Petersburg Area Economic Development Corporation
- Westshore Alliance
- St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership
- Tampa Downtown Partnership
- North Tampa Bay Chamber
- Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce
- Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber
- Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Tampa Bay
- South Tampa Chamber
By Jewell Tomazin
