October 11, 2023

SMARTstart Friends and Supporters, 

Welcome to your weekly edition of Launch! 🚀

For those that don't know this is CYBERSECURITY Awareness month....

A few quick tips and tricks that you should do RIGHT NOW:

• Educate Yourself: Learn about common cyber threats, such as phishing, malware, and ransomware, and how to recognize and avoid them.
• Update Software: Ensure that your devices, operating systems, and software applications are up to date with the latest security patches.
• Use Strong Passwords: Create and regularly update strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts and consider using a password manager.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Activate 2FA wherever possible to add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
• Back Up Data: Regularly back up your important data to secure and accessible locations to prevent data loss in case of cyberattacks.
• Share Knowledge: Educate friends, family, and colleagues about cybersecurity best practices and encourage them to participate in National Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
• Stay Informed: Follow cybersecurity news, blogs, and resources to stay updated on the latest threats and security tips.

ALSO, sponsorships are available for GROW Pasco 2024. See the attached flyer to learn about what opportunities are available. 

Have a great and safe week!

Dan Mitchell, EDP

SMARTstart Program Director

Ashlee Underdown

SMARTstart Program Coordinator

Don Anderson

SMARTstart Program Coordinator II

Becky Martin

Special Program Assistant

FOUNDER SPOTLIGHT

Welcome to our newest SMARTstart incubator member, Stephanie LaFew with Keys to Castles Group, Tampa Realty!

Are you interested in being featured? Contact Holly for more information.

Entrepreneur Education Series

Free Classes/Workshops

Classes and workshops are planned through March 2024! Check out the brochure to see what topics interest you, and sign up now.

Download Classes and Workshops Brochure

TONIGHT!!

Business Banking for Entrepreneurs

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
SMARTstart @ the Grove, Wesley Chapel FL

Learn the banking essentials—accounts, financing, risk management—for entrepreneurial success.

Targeting your Advertising - SizeUpPasco 

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Virtual

Every quarter SizeUp will cover a combination of the basics of SizeUp, how to present it to a wider audience, and specific use cases helping your community.

Are you interested in becoming a speaker? Contact Dan for more information.

Upcoming Sessions 

• October 24th - December 19th - Wesley Chapel, Tuesdays 10:30AM - 1:30PM 
• Veteran Cohort:
  January 22nd - March 18th - Holiday, 5:30PM - 8:30PM
• April 12th - June 7th - Dade City, Fridays 1:00PM - 4:00PM

Are you a Veteran or do you know one that wants to start their own business?

• Veteran CO.STARTERS Cohort:
  January 22nd - March 18th - Holiday, 5:30PM - 8:30PM
  
  SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE.
  
  SPONSORED BY

Looking to start or grow your business? The Pasco EDC Microloan Program may be able to help.

The Santander Consumer USA Scholarship is currently open!

You may be eligible for a scholarship to participate in an upcoming SMARTstart program.

AVAILABLE NOW - Veteran-owned businesses will also be eligible to receive the Santander Business Growth Scholarship! 

BUSINESS INCUBATOR LOCATIONS FEATURE:

CO-WORKING SPACE | CLASSROOM | CONFERENCE ROOMS | DIGITAL MEDIA STUDIO | BREAKROOM | WIFI | COFFEE | PARKING

PRIVATE OFFICE SPACE (CENTRAL) |  COMMERCIAL KITCHEN (EAST)

WEST PASCO

Holiday

CENTRAL PASCO

Wesley Chapel

EAST PASCO

Dade City

Entrepreneur Roundtables

• Exchange information, challenges, and insights
• Groups typically include 6 to 10 members from diverse industries

SMARTstart East Pasco Entrepreneur Center

Monthly on 2nd Tuesday

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

SMARTstart Tech Business 

Monthly on 3rd Wednesday

9:00 am - 10:30 am

LEARN MORE ABOUT SMARTstart

CHECK OUT MORE EVENTS