An interactive project and community classroom called the Greenhouse reaches out to fruitful or fledgling businesses in Midtown, Childs Park and other neighborhoods in St. Petersburg with the intent of fostering growth in companies large and small and expanding the local economy.
Since July 9, entrepreneurial minds from the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce, USF St. Petersburg and Eckerd College have been raising newcomers and guiding established local businesses through workshops held at the classroom. The classes, offered almost daily, encompass everything from business starter knowledge to guidance for grand openings.
“It’s like any city or part of the city. Everybody has got a different idea to do something,” Claude Williams, economic development coordinator, said.“Our goal is to encourage them to use the services here and to build capacity.”
The front lobby of the Greenhouse is equipped with Wi-Fi accessible computers. The resource center that occupies the first floor offers computers, books, access to videos and planning and research materials.
Entrepreneurial education is interactive at the Greenhouse.
“We will be providing some workshops in that area and at the same time, the students are participating in the activities at the Greenhouse itself,” Bill Jackson, director of sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation said.
“It’s another resource for [entrepreneurship students]. We want the Greenhouse to also be reflective of our curriculum.”
USFSP’s Entrepreneurship program has guided the early processes of the Greenhouse.
Creative-in-Residence for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Nathan Schwagler and Associate Director Daniel J. Scott, along with Jackson, formed an agreement to support new initiatives from the mayor’s office and the goals of the Chamber of Commerce.
At the discretion of the existing program, entrepreneurship education received by USFSP students may be accessible to the general public.
“We’re exploring some of the world class programs that we are teaching at the Entrepreneurship program and finding ways to incorporate those programs for entrepreneurs,” Scott said.
According to Jackson, essential skills, include problem solving, business modeling, scaling a company and guiding start-ups. USFSP students would be able to extend their classroom to the community. Joining workshops would allow students the option to form critical connections for their own endeavors.
“USFSP students that graduate or are in the process of school today will have the capability and network of community to assist them in starting their ventures,” Scott said. “The hope here is that one place can be the common ground to support entrepreneurship.”
With help from the Greenhouse, small businesses can apply to join their community known as the Small Business Enterprise, allowing them to be accessible for projects.
From window installments to plumbing jobs, these businesses come recommended by the Chamber of Commerce to complete projects requiring such trade skills.
Eligibility is based on criteria set by the Chamber, which includes a minimum of one year of operation and a sales volume of $3 million or less for goods and services and $5 million or less for construction. More than thirty projects per year involve Small Business Enterprise members.
“Our goal is to create economic development by fostering entrepreneurship and make small businesses grow throughout the community,” Sean Kennedy, economic development specialist said.
The Greenhouse’s official grand opening is set for the middle of September.
