Network with the Clearwater Business SPARK partners to learn about the latest local resources for start-ups, small business owners and entrepreneurs from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 24 at the Clearwater Main Library, 100 N. Osceola Ave. 

Discover, Create, Innovate: Entrepreneurial, Small Business and Makerspace Event will allow participants to meet and learn about Clearwater Business SPARK and its partners who are effective in helping to start, grow and expand businesses in greater Clearwater.

The event will also introduce participants to the numerous free and easy-to-use business tools available at the Multimedia and Innovation Studios at Clearwater Main Library’s Studios@Main.

Guests will tour Clearwater Main Library’s Multimedia and Innovation Studios to learn and experience the exciting, free programs offered to start-ups, small business owners and entrepreneurs.

The software and programs include business databases, 3-D printers and scanners, design and production software and audio and video equipment. Guests will also learn about the multiple education workshops, business coaching programs and networking opportunities offered through Clearwater Business SPARK and its partners.

The free event on May 24 is open to the public. Register today at ClearwaterBusinessSPARK.com or call (727) 443-0217.

“Clearwater Business SPARK just celebrated its one year anniversary, and we are excited to share with the community all of the additional resources we have to offer, as well as introduce them to the newest partners of our network,” said Audra Aja, Clearwater Business SPARK program coordinator.

“People will be amazed with the access they have to the free tools available through the library’s makerspace program, as well as the caliber of our partners,” Aja said. “Bringing the community back out to the Clearwater Main Library for an Entrepreneurial/Small Business Event one year later really brings us full circle to why we started this initiative -- to make it easier to find the resources to start or grow your business in Clearwater.”

In one year, Clearwater Business SPARK has grown to eight partners in the business network that includes the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce, Florida Small Business Development Center at Pinellas County Economic Development, the city of Clearwater’s Economic Development and Housing Department, Clearwater Public Library System, Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency and Florida Business Incubator, formerly known as TAFFIE. The most recent partners added to Clearwater Business SPARK’s network include Pinellas County SCORE, which offers small business training, mentoring and workshops, and Prospera (formerly HBIF), the leading Hispanic economic development, nonprofit organization that specializes in providing bilingual assistance to Hispanic entrepreneurs trying to build, develop or grow their business.

Clearwater Business SPARK provides business programs and services including business planning and coaching, educational programs, networking opportunities, guidance for doing business with the federal government and international markets and incubator services.

Clearwater Business SPARK also offers access to databases and market research tools, a variety of co-working, meeting and training spaces and hands-on tools and activities through Studios@Main, the unique makerspace program located at the Clearwater Main Library.

To learn more or register for the May 24^th event, visit ClearwaterBusinessSPARK.com or contact Audra Aja, program coordinator, at (727) 443-0217 or email at info@ClearwaterBusinessSPARK.com.