TAMPA, FL--(Marketwired - May 7, 2013) - Tampa was announced this week as one of the top places in the USA to start and grow a business, according to Forbes Magazine which looked at seven key criteria before announcing its top ten cities for entrepreneurs and startups. Tampa beat Atlanta, Seattle and Austin based on criteria such as percentage of population with university degrees, cost of living, average income, loan activity and business buzz.
New York, Chicago and Silicon Valley didn't make the top ten because of their high cost of living and the "quick and the dead" mentality towards new businesses.
This week an Entrepreneur Growth Accelerator from London launches in Tampa with hopes to find 50 businesses that are suitable for accelerated growth. Backed by Shark Tank celebrity investor Kevin Harrington, the growth program gives small businesses access to mentoring, high-level networking and resources.
"We decided Tampa was a great place to launch this program. New York and Silicon Valley have created a gold-rush mentality and a lot of genuine businesses avoid the noise by staying out of these hot spots," says Harrington, who is a Tampa local. "We're hoping to spot some genuine talent right here on my doorstep."
Local business owners and entrepreneurs are encouraged to attend an event on May 10 featuring several high-profile entrepreneurs who will be talking about growth strategies relevant to the times we are in. The event will take place from 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. at the HCC Performing Arts Building in Ybor located at 2112 N. 15th Street in Tampa. For more information visit www.keypersonofinfluence.com/usa
Contact Information:
Media Contact:
Bruce Serbin
954-821-3434
Lynn Lewis
305-509-9958