Tampa Bay Chamber

06/12/2026

Applications Are NOW OPEN for the next Tampa Bay Business Accelerator Cohort! 🎉

The Tampa Bay Business Accelerator is designed for growth-minded entrepreneurs who are ready to scale, strengthen their business foundation, and accelerate their impact. Through executive-level education, strategic coaching, financial mentorship, meaningful connections, and a network of leaders invested in your success, participants gain the tools and support needed to grow with intention.

When you join TBBA, you become part of a network of entrepreneurs, advisors, mentors, and alumni who continue to support one another long after graduation. Our alumni family is proof that growth happens faster when you don't have to do it alone. ☺️

Your next stage of growth starts today!

➡️ Learn More & Apply: https://www.tampabaychamber.com/index.php?src=forms&ref=Tampa%20Bay%20Business%20Accelerator%20Application

06/09/2026

“I love this city.”

When asked what she hopes her legacy will be, Mayor Castor’s response was simple yet powerful at last week’s Face the Chamber event.

Attendees had the opportunity to learn about many of the opportunities and challenges shaping Tampa’s future. Topics included transportation and infrastructure, economic and workforce development, healthcare, etc. 💬

Special thanks to Mayor Jane Castor, our moderator Jamison Uhler, our sponsors, Tampa Electric, Spectrum, Verizon, and everyone who joined us at this year’s event. ☺️

06/03/2026

Thank you to the South Tampa Chamber and all of the partners who helped make this event possible. As hurricane season begins, preparation and collaboration are more important than ever! 🙂

06/01/2026

🚨 Hurricane Season Begins June 1 🚨

Our Disaster Preparedness Resource Page provides essential tools and guidance to help businesses and individuals stay informed and ready throughout the season.

Resources include:
• Business preparedness tools
• Recovery and response resources
• Community support information
• Ways to help and get involved

We encourage our members and community to take time now to review plans, gather resources, and stay informed throughout the season! 💡

🔗 View our full resource page here: https://www.tampabaychamber.com/pages/disaster-preparedness/

05/26/2026

We are excited to officially welcome the Access Tampa Bay Class of 2026 during their first session together this morning! 🎉

Today’s session on Financial Literacy & Wealth Planning brought together entrepreneurs and financial experts for an engaging conversation around building, protecting, and growing wealth through strong financial management, proactive tax strategy, meaningful banking relationships, and capital readiness.

Thank you to our outstanding panelists, Megan Heffron with Bernstein, Evelyn Ruiz with Wave Tax and Financial Planning, Charles Thybulle with Citizens Bank, and Jeff Minaya with Suncoast Credit Union, for sharing your expertise and creating such an impactful discussion for our small business community.

A special thank you as well to our Access Tampa Bay Chair, Karl Davis with Karl Davis Coaching, for thoughtfully facilitating today’s conversation and helping create an environment focused on learning, growth, and empowerment. 😄

Meet the ATB of 2026 here: https://lnkd.in/e2PgaPqq

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

The Tampa Bay Chamber is proud of our longstanding relationship with MacDill Air Force Base and the many military members, veterans, and families who are part of our community. Today, we pause to reflect on the sacrifices made to protect our freedoms and express our deepest gratitude to those who gave all.

As we spend time with loved ones this weekend, we encourage everyone to take a moment to remember the fallen heroes whose courage and service will never be forgotten. ❤️

Please note: Our office will be closed Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day.

05/20/2026

The Tampa Bay Chamber released a formal statement in support of the Tampa Bay Rays’ proposed new stadium and mixed-use development project.

As the voice of Business for the Tampa Bay region, the Chamber remains actively engaged in this conversation and committed to working alongside local leaders to ensure a path forward that strengthens our economy and benefits the entire community.

Tampa Bay Chamber supports the proposed Rays project | Column | Link in comments ⬇️

05/14/2026

Two cohorts. Two impactful sessions. One shared goal: helping entrepreneurs scale with confidence. 🚀

Recently, TBBA Cohort ’26 participated in a Legal Strategy for Scaling Businesses session hosted by Bush Ross, exploring topics including contracts, compliance, risk management, and building strong legal foundations for long-term growth.

At the same time, TBBA Cohort ’27 took part in a session with CLA focused on Tax & Accounting Strategies for Growing Businesses, diving into financial systems, tax planning, and how businesses can use financial data to make smarter, more strategic decisions.

A special thanks to Bush Ross and CLA for investing in our small business community and equipping our participants with tools they can immediately apply to their businesses. ☺️

Interested in getting involved with TBBA or exploring resources for your business growth? Join us at one of our upcoming events:

📍 Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition hosted by TBBA Alumni — June 10
https://www.tampabaychamber.com/events/2026/06/10/tampa-bay-business-accelerator-alumni/2026-entrepreneurship-through-acquisition-hosted-by-tbba-alumni/

📍 Accelerator Ready: Programs & Pathways for Growth — June 12
https://www.tampabaychamber.com/events/2026/06/12/tampa-bay-business-accelerator/accelerator-ready-programs-pathways-for-growth/

05/12/2026

🎉 We're proud to announce the semifinalists for the 2026 Small Business of the Year Awards!

Each year, hundreds of companies participate in this prestigious awards program recognizing the outstanding businesses and leaders making an impact across the Tampa Bay region. After months of applications, interviews, and research, we are excited to celebrate this year’s semifinalists across five award categories.

👏 Congratulations to all of this year’s semifinalists for your innovation, leadership, and commitment to strengthening our business community.

Meet the semifinalists: https://www.tampabaychamber.com/blog/2026/05/11/small-business-of-the-year-awards/meet-the-2026-small-business-of-the-year-awards-semifinalists/

05/08/2026

It's our birthday! 🎉

141 years ago on May 7, 1885, a group of visionary leaders gathered at Branch’s Opera House to form what was then known as the Tampa Board of Trade, laying the foundation for what would become the Tampa Bay Chamber.

From supporting the creation of transportation systems, universities, and MacDill Air Force Base, to championing business growth, leadership development, and regional collaboration, the Chamber has played a role in helping shape the Tampa Bay region for more than a century. ✨

While so much has changed since 1885, one thing has remained the same: our members are the heart of this organization. Thank you to our members, sponsors, volunteers, Board of Directors, community partners, and staff for continuing to move Tampa Bay forward together.

We’ve come a long way and we’re even more excited for what’s ahead! 💙