SMARTstartAnnual Awards Committee Information 2025
NOMINEES AND CATEGORIES:
- Abreu Environmental LLC | Category: SMARTstart Entrepreneur of the Year
- Amerikey Locksmith LLC | Category: Economic Excellence, Innovation in Workforce
- Athenaeum Brews LLC | Category: SMARTstart Entrepreneur of the Year
- BayCare (unconfirmed) | Category: Special Consideration
- Dre's Island Food Services, LLC | Category: SMARTstart Entrepreneur of the Year
- Escape Brewing (company interview form not received) | Category: (unconfirmed)
- Florida Design Consultants Inc | Category: Economic Excellence
- General Cabinets | Category: Economic Excellence, Innovation in Workforce
- Merrell Brothers Inc. | Category: Economic Excellence
- Mettler Toledo Product Inspection Division | Category: Innovation in Workforce
- Pasco News Media Group, LLC | Category: Special Contribution
- Southlake Signs Tampa, Inc | Category: Innovation in Workforce
- Thirsty Buffalo Brew Factory | Category: Pasco Establishment
- Ultimate 3D Printing Store Services | Category: Economic Excellence
- Xgenex Labs, LLC | Category: Pasco Establishment
AWARD CATEGORIES:
- Pasco Establishment Award - This award will recognize a business that has recently been established in Pasco County and is demonstrating substantial progress and/or the potential for a significant community impact.
- Economic Excellence Award - This award will recognize a Pasco County business that has made a commitment to improving the overall economic health and quality of life in Pasco County, creating a diverse workforce, and providing exceptional value to customers, all while demonstrating ingenuity, integrity, and leadership.
- International Achievement Award - This award will recognize a Pasco County business that has demonstrated outstanding achievements in international relations, global leadership, or export growth.
- Innovation in Workforce Development Award - This award recognizes a Pasco County company or employer that has made a significant impact on workforce development in Pasco County and demonstrates a commitment to building a strong talent pipeline.
- SMARTstart Entrepreneur of the Year (nominated internally, based on program participation) - This award will recognize an entrepreneur who has engaged in numerous SMARTstart programs. Through their experiences and education, they have turned their passion into a thriving business. Nominees will be scored based on company growth, SMARTstart involvement, and community impact as a leading start-up.
- Special Contribution (Used in special circumstances as determined by committee, non-profits considered) - This award recognizes a Pasco County business who has gone above and beyond their typical mission to solve an issue, create an opportunity, or provide extraordinary support in our community.
SCORING RUBRIC
Please complete one form per team for each company interview.
AWARD PARTICIPANT PACKET:
To ensure companies understood the entire process if they choose to participate, this packet has been included on the Annual Awards landing page since launcing nominations in early April. All nominees received the link multiple times and were provided the specific dates, deadlines, and information about on-site interviews and company filming.
