GROW Pasco 2025

March 20, 2025
This event has expired.

Date & Time: Thursday, March 20, 2025 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Location: Saint Leo University Wellness Center
12338 Priory Cir, San Antonio, FL 33576

SMARTstart is hosting the 5th Annual GROW Pasco event to help educate business owners throughout Pasco County and provide an environment to network with like-minded entrepreneurs. Join our entrepreneurial community for 15 breakout sessions led by over 30 business professionals as we explore healthy mindsets to build and thrive.

Registration for this event is now closed. If you have any questions, please contact Deanna Sourk at 813-926-0827.

Event Program

Learn about each breakout session:

Digital Program

Keynote Presentation: Wellness and Community

Johnny Crowder is a suicide/abuse survivor, TEDx speaker, touring musician, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, and the Founder & CEO of Cope Notes, a text-based mental health platform that provides daily support to users in nearly 100 countries around the world. Armed with a decade of clinical treatment, a psychology degree from the University of Central Florida, and 10+ years of peer support and public advocacy experience through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Johnny’s youthful vigor for mental health has impacted millions of lives across the globe.

Since his first keynote in 2011, Johnny's refreshingly candid perspective has attracted praise from hundreds of outlets, including Upworthy, Entrepreneur Magazine, Forbes, and even CNN World. Whether leading corporate wellness trainings or touring with his Billboard-charting heavy metal band, Prison, his infectious positivity and firsthand experience with multiple diagnoses uniquely equip him to provide realistic insight and inspiration amidst the pains of hardship with care, levity, and unconventional wit.

Brought to you in-part by:

Breakout Sessions

9:15-10:00 AM

Panel: Emerging Tech Trends with David Yocum, Cal Tiger, Jay Saint Joy, and Tom Perricone

Industry leaders discuss the latest innovations shaping business, technology, and entrepreneurship.
Workshop: Elevate Your Sales Game with Deb Mazzafaro

Deb Mazzafaro shares proven strategies to boost your sales performance and close more deals.
Workshop: Location, Location, Location with Heidi Tuttle-Beisner

Heidi Tuttle-Beisner reveals how the right location can make or break your business success.

10:15-11:00 AM

Panel: Wellness For Entrepreneurs with Vivian Bell, Dr. Sh'nai Simmons, Julian Ford, and Marcia Kozera

Experts explore how mental, physical, and emotional wellness fuel entrepreneurial success.

Workshop: Marketing Strategies with Regan Weiss

Regan Weiss breaks down cutting-edge marketing techniques to grow your brand and reach more customers.

Workshop: Become the Boss of Your Success with Rosie Paulsen

Rosie Paulsen empowers you with tools to take control of your entrepreneurial journey.

11:15 AM -12:00 PM

Panel: Pasco 2030 and Beyond with Austin Burkett, Tracy Ingram, and Tom Ryan

Austin Burkett, Tracy Ingram and Tom Ryan discuss the future of Pasco County’s economy, innovation, and growth.
Workshop: Negotiation From Tactics to Triumph with Jose Melgar

Jose Melgar shares practical negotiation tactics to achieve win-win outcomes.
Workshop: Speak With People with Jason Raitz

Jason Raitz teaches how to communicate confidently and build authentic connections.

12:15-1:15 PM

Keynote Lunch: Wellness and Community with Johnny Crowder, CEO of COPE Notes will deliver an inspiring talk on the power of mental health and community support.

1:30-2:15 PM

Panel: Community Resources for Small Business with Amaris Haynes, Jose Melgar, Brad Owens

Learn about key programs and partnerships available to help your business thrive.

Workshop: Engage with your Entrepreneurial Ecosystem with David Ponraj

David Ponraj explains how to tap into local networks and resources for business growth.

Workshop: AI and LinkedIn with Don Noble

Don Noble shows how to leverage AI to optimize your LinkedIn presence and expand your reach.

2:30-3:15 PM

Panel: Digital Media and Print Marketing with Kent Ross, Beth Devine, Shelly Cassin

Experts discuss how to blend digital and print marketing for maximum impact.

Workshop: Rapid Confidence with John Graden

John Graden shares quick techniques to boost confidence in any professional setting.
Workshop: Financial Projections with Brad Owens

Brad Owens walks you through creating realistic, growth-oriented financial projections.

Registration Open

General Admission: $45 per person

Sponsor Opportunities Available

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SPONSOR FORM