In his final Startup Tampa Bay video as a @HillsboroughFL Commissioner, @MarkSharpeFL discusses his successful EDI2 program and how it has helped the local tech ecosystem grow in both activity and visibility.
A few recurring topics came up in this video that are worthy of additional discussion:
On the heels of the most recent Google Fiber announcement, this week’s Startup Tampa Bay webcast discussed what makes a region attractive to big tech initiatives.
Echoing previous webcasts was the notion that if you want to build a more sustainable tech ecosystem the entrepreneurs have to lead the discussion. Baby Boomer-based #economicdevelopment is no longer a viable strategy for Florida and refocusing our efforts on the infrastructure that attracts and inspires startup founders is the only hope for creating a sustainable tech ecosystem here in Tampa Bay. The #EDI2 program sponsored by @MarkSharpeFL is a start, but everyone unanimously agreed that it is not up to government to make this a success.
@MarkSharpeFL ‘s guests this week include: Jordan Raynor from @Citizenvestor Kyle Mathews of @ModMyi Joy Randels of @StartupGrindTB Heather Kenyon of @TBTF
This week the Hillsborough County webcast crew traveled to the 6th annual @BarCampTampa for an abbreviated discussion on local startup activity. This was @MarkSharpeFL ‘s second trip to BarCamp and it is clear from his comments that the grass roots tech community has emerged as a recognized contributor to our region’s technology-based economic development plan.
Mark was also featured in a video interview with @TBBJNewsroom business editor @AlexisMuellner . Join us next week when we will be back @BuddyBrewCoffee for a regular Startup Tampa round table video.
This year’s record setting Ignite event left a lot of people energized and asking for more. We walked away with new friends, a new batch of volunteers to help out with future tech community and startup focused events and most importantly a new found respect among the region’s leaders and media. There are things far more important than the size of the audience or who spoke from the stage, what Ignite’s organizers want to convey is that the very diverse and sometimes chaotic tech community is working hard to make Tampa Bay a better, more energized place to live. They hope that by holding an event where “average” citizens can get up and express their passions others will will get involved to help.
This year’s event touched on a lot of topics some interesting and some not so much, but all delivered with passion and a sincere desire to build community. See the wrap-up coverage of the event in the May 3rd issue of the Tampa Bay Business Journal @TBBJNewsroom.
Hack-a-thons are like a golf driving range for techies.
Building a cool new app is just one of the goals for hosting a hack-a-thon, the real benefit to the region is uncovering and engaging the area’s hidden tech talent. Increasing Tampa Bay’s entrepreneurial and tech “fitness” is crucial to building a strong tech business culture and developing these capabilities is essential for evolving Tampa from a services-dependent economy to one that produces cool new products.
Hillsborough County is stepping up in a big way to help host this event as a part of the broader economic development agenda to make Tampa Bay a more start-up friendly area. The Hack-a-thon is the first of many events that we will see the county help facilitate thanks to a new economic development program (#EDI2) that will help foster tech growth in the Tampa Bay region.
Check out Bill Varian’s story on the hack-a-thon in the Tampa Bay Times.
This is a community sponsored event and we need additional donations to help cover the cost of food and facilities. Please visit the Citizivestor crowdfunding site and drop a few bucks for the cause.
Details: Kickoff – April 12th @5:00PM Hillsborough Community College – Brandon Campus Map Register to Participate @: HackHillsborough
