Situated on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Tampa Bay offers ideal conditions and abundant opportunities for businesses across the state, the country, and the rest of the world. With its top-rated airport and large seaports, easy access to local and international customers is not problematic.
Tampa Bay’s extensive interstate system also enables a collaborative landscape for a diverse range of industries like education, professional and shared services, information technology, health technology, manufacturing, financial services, distribution and logistics, life sciences, defense technologies and security, and supply chain management technology.
New developments have sprouted only within a 20-minute radius of downtown Tampa. Water Street is a $3.5 billion urban community that features homes, offices, shops, and hotels, all built along an accessible waterfront. Its central location makes traveling to and from the central business district accessible and convenient for business and leisure travelers.
A nine-story office building at Tampa International Airport, SkyCenter One, offers convenience to frequent travelers with amenities like a conference center, meeting spaces, a fitness center, and coffee shops.
Foreign investors have seen the potential of Tampa Bay. With a significant presence of marine-related industries based in Tampa, including the Italian-owned company Bertram Yachts, and Suzuki Marine, a subsidiary of Japanese multinational Suzuki, the city is very welcoming judging from its multilingual, highly educated population.
Aside from a favorable business climate and pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, Tampa Bay also benefits from the presence of MacDill Air Force Base, home to the U.S. Central Command and the U.S. Special Operations Command. Some companies have employed retired military personnel with strong background in cybersecurity, logistics, and security.
According to Tampa Bay Economic Development Council COO Michelle Bauer, people do not move to their community as visitors: “They come here to raise their families and establish their homes. They want to be in a place where the housing is relatively affordable when compared to many of the other major markets.”
Meanwhile, companies and entrepreneurs that have ventured to Tampa have seen their decision pay off.
“You can get a lot for your money here and a lot for your investment; great people and many opportunities for growth,” said Bauer.