Hillsborough retailers discuss holiday hustle and community support
Hillsborough County, Fla. (Dec. 3, 2025) - Small businesses are the backbone of a great community like Hillsborough County, and the holidays are an ideal time to support those businesses. As you check off your shopping list, you can support local businesses that help the community thrive.
For many entrepreneurs, the holiday season is the most critical time of the year. Your support can make a meaningful difference in their success.
The Entrepreneur Collaborative Center (ECC) is hosting Local Stories Live on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. This month's theme, "Carts and Clicks: The Retail Roller Coaster," explores the ups and downs of running a small retail business.
Attendees will hear firsthand from local business owners who've built their brands from the ground up, including:
Joseph Jackson, founder of Eat This Dessert First, known for delicious cheesecakes
Meghan Parsons, owner of Get Charmed Co., a custom jewelry boutique
Sue-Ellen J. Bruno, founder of Auzalu's Artisan Market & Pottery Studio, offering boutique gifts and ceramics
These entrepreneurs will share their journeys and how community support and resources from the ECC helped them grow.
Visit the ECC's online calendar to RSVP and subscribe to the newsletter for updates on future events, workshops, and small business resources.
This event will be hosted in person at the Entrepreneur Collaborative Center, 2101 E. Palm Ave., Tampa, FL 33605. The panel discussions will also be available live on Hillsborough County's Facebook Page: @HillsboroughFL.
Breakfast is provided for attendees. Register for the free event here. Learn about more small business events and resources at HCFL.gov/ECCEvents.
Who: Hillsborough County Economic Development
What: Local Stories Live
When: 9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 5
Where: Entrepreneur Collaborative Center, 2101 E. Palm Ave., Tampa, FL 33605
Online: Hillsborough County's Facebook Live