Pasco Enterprise Network aims to help small businesses grow and thrive

 April 20, 2011

Have you always dreamed of owning your own business but have no idea where to start?  Do you own a small business that is having trouble growing in the current market?

 The Pasco Enterprise Network (PEN) is a new partnership of local agencies in Pasco County that help connect small businesses to free resources that can help them navigate the steps involved in starting and running a small business.

 “Often people who decide to start their own business underestimate the demands of running a business and don’t know where to turn for help.” says Sean Malott of the Pasco Economic Development Council.  “The PEN web site (www.pascoenterprise.net) links business owners to free services that can improve their chances of success.”

 Through PEN’s partners, new business owners are able to find basic business training classes covering all aspects of running a business, be matched with free professional consultants that offer practical, hands-on help geared to your situation and your needs, and get referral to financing and funding sources. 

 PEN’s partner agencies include the Small Business Development Center at USF (SBDC), the Pasco –Hernando Workforce Board (Career Central), Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), the Pasco Economic Development Council, the Dade City Chamber of Commerce, Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, Pasco-Hernando Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce, West Pasco Chamber of Commerce and Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, the Pasco Library System, Pasco-Hernando Community College and Saint Leo University.

 “A large percentage of Pasco County’s economy is supported by small businesses,” says John Hagen of the Pasco Economic Development Council.  “By helping to ensure that these small businesses succeed and grow, PEN will boost our job creation and business expansion efforts.”

 To learn more about the Pasco Enterprise Network, visit http://www.pascoenterprise.net