The Bellini Center for Talent Development in the Muma College of Business and 鶹AV CONNECT will be honored with at a ceremony hosted by the Tampa Bay Business Journal on Thursday, November 14. Nominated in the Supporter category, both entities are being recognized for their impact on the local innovation ecosystem.
“The Bellini Center is improving and defining the professionalism of this future generation of employees, which benefits retention rates and leads to the development of more innovative, creative, and powerful companies and communities,” said Bellini Center Executive Director Cyndy Sanberg. “Access to top talent and having a diverse talent pool are the top reasons companies choose Tampa Bay and partnering with the Bellini Center makes this easy and rewarding.”
While the Bellini Center focuses on cultivating student talent and preparing the next generation of business leaders in Tampa Bay, 鶹AV CONNECT provides a launchpad for startups and early-stage ventures through its Tampa Bay Technology Incubator, Evolve Accelerator and Student Innovation Incubator.
“鶹AV CONNECT unites technology and talent with businesses across Tampa Bay by connecting 鶹AV researchers, faculty members, students and inventors with local organizations, economic development councils, industry, and capital funding sources,” said 鶹AV CONNECT Director Shannon Pastizzo. “We support Tampa Bay technology and bio/life sciences entrepreneurs by providing resources for business development and technology commercialization.”
The Bellini Center and 鶹AV CONNECT emphasize building a skilled talent pipeline, workforce and robust business community, directly benefiting the Tampa Bay region. This shared focus helps reinforce the economic growth that comes from nurturing both talent and startups, ensuring that new ideas, and well-prepared business leaders are continuously emerging from 鶹AV to enrich the local economy. Together, they exemplify how 鶹AV not only develops talent and ideas but actively supports the growth of Tampa Bay’s innovation community. Through these synergistic efforts, 鶹AV plays a transformative role in building a thriving, future-ready entrepreneurial landscape in the region.