DR. TASHIKA GRIFFITH
PROVOST, ST. PETERSBURG COLLEGE
What is St. Pete doing to support diversity in
economic growth?
The development of the Grow Smarter collaborative strat-
agencies, and community leaders, has served as a targeted
approach so that resources can be supported and allocated
in a more equitable way. These strategies are evolving and
becoming more intentional about not only identifying ways to
support, but also creating systems to sustain long term, diverse
economic growth.
What areas do you see as prime for growth and
development?
The pandemic has provided great opportunities for us to
strengthen our community’s growth capacity and expand
business and industry. We know that economies that maximize
their productive potential boast a diverse and innovative
workforce. To achieve this, we must advance strategies
that diversify our talent pipeline in targeted industries such
as data analytics, marine and life science and specialized
manufacturing. By engaging in inclusive strategies like
evaluating hiring practices, diversifying leadership positions,
and more broad-based opportunities for quality education/
workforce training, we can impact economic growth and
prosperity for all.
What local resources
are available for
new businesses or
entrepreneurs?
There are several
resources available
to the business
community.
Several of these
can be accessed
via the City of St.
Peterburg’s website.
They include The
Greenhouse, formerly
the Small Business
Development Center,
and, of course, the St. Pete
Chamber, which provides
numerous support tools and
opportunities to network with other
business owners and entrepreneurs. Here at St. Petersburg
College, the Career & Entrepreneurship Center offers workshops,
classes, community networks and resources, and our
Workforce, Community and Corporate Partnerships depart-
entrepreneurs, as well.
JASON MATHIS
CEO, DOWNTOWN
PARTNERSHIP
How have businesses
adapted? Can you tell us any
success stories?
The most important part of a successful
business today isn’t an amazing
product or killer marketing campaign. It’s an investment
in relationships - with customers, employees and the larger
community. That must be coupled with an ability to adapt to
changing circumstances while keeping your core principles
intact. One great example was Rococo Steak House. They
started selling charcuterie boards and “do it yourself’ gourmet
meals, along with putting their expansive wine cellar on
sale. It was a nimble pivot during a crisis that helped build
relationships with their existing customer base and gave them
What adaptations do you think will stick around?
-
forms that will likely change the way Americans work forever.
workers, productivity actually went up during the pandemic,
but a sense of corporate culture or camaraderie, the ability to
communicate immediately, and creativity among coworkers
person workplaces in a hybrid model that is still evolving.
What is the local outlook for 2021?
St. Pete is in a strong growth position. Many of the primary
industries that fuel our local economy - residential develop-
value and prominence. We have some community assets that
were already important to our economic future, but COVID
made them even more valuable. This includes outdoor living,
a community esprit de corps that emphasizes grass roots
entrepreneurship, ease of living, a commitment to art and a
cultural vibe that will continue to attract self-selecting entrepreneurs,
new residents and business leaders who value the
things that make this place special. If you have a good idea,
some funds set aside for contingencies, and are willing to
embrace the inevitable change that is sure to come our way,
this could be an ideal time to open a new business.
BUSINESS
St. Pete is in a strong growth position.
Many of the primary industries that fuel
our local economy - residential develop-
only increased in value and prominence.
— Jason Mathis
14 'BURGLIFE | Living, Working and Playing in St. Petersburg, FL