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Seven Entrepreneurs to Participate in SMARTstart Food Vendor Fair

January 6, 2025

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Take a lunch break and join us to support businesses from soul food to local honey.

PASCO COUNTY, FLORIDA (January 6, 2025): Join us for the 5th Annual SMARTstart Food Vendor Fair, hosted by the UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County and Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC), on Thursday, January 16, 2025. This family-friendly food event aims to share incubator business opportunities and support our current food entrepreneurs’ businesses. This is a great opportunity to purchase some amazing food and arrange event catering or gifts.
 
"The SMARTstart Food Vendor Fair has been a great way for the community to come together and support local food entrepreneurs. Over the past five years, we’ve seen some amazing businesses get their start and grow through this event. It’s always exciting to see the creativity and passion these vendors bring to the table, and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s in store this year," shared Dan Mitchell, EDP, SMARTstart Program Director, Pasco EDC.
 
The East Pasco Incubator Kitchen (EPIK) features a unique commercial incubator kitchen where budding food entrepreneurs can produce food in a licensed commercial kitchen and then utilize the packaging and labeling station to create nutrition fact labels for their products. Additionally, the EPIK members get access to business coaching through the SMARTstart Program. This center is co-located with UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County and features a community garden where SMARTstart members can grow their own ingredients.
 
Participating SMARTstart Incubator members include:
    • A husband and wife team specializing in making empanadas that have a unique twist on the familiar flavors.
    • We can help you with all your bee needs. We provide bee removal services, sell honey, sell bees, provide pollination services, and give educational presentations on bees.
  • Blue Crow Espresso
    • Pouring you delicious espresso from our mobile coffee bike.
    • Grab fresh sauces and seasonings to spice up your meals for any occasion.
    • Our primary goal is to use healthy spices, herbs, and seasonings with potent healing properties to enhance the flavor and health benefits of your culinary creations.
    • Serving up delicious home-cooked meals with a touch of soul and flavor.
    • Let us provide sweet treats for your company events, parties, or family gathering. We offer our Signature Cashew Brittle as well as off-menu items and special requests.
    • Hop on The Bean Buggy, a magical stagecoach serving espresso, desserts, and craft drinks across northern Tampa.
The 5th Annual Food Vendor Fair will be held Thursday, January 16, 2025, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the SMARTstart East Pasco Entrepreneur Center, 15029 14th Street, Dade City, Florida, 33523. Admission and parking are free, vendors item prices will vary. 
CONTACT ME
Seven Entrepreneurs to Participate in SMARTstart Food Vendor Fair
Lauren Miceli
Director of Marketing & Communications

Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Telephone: +1 813 355 0615

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