SPC and Wells Fargo Foundation Empower Entrepreneurs Through Grow Your Business Program

St. Petersburg College, supported by a Wells Fargo Foundation grant, has successfully concluded its Grow Your Business 8-week program, designed to provide entrepreneurs with the tools, strategies and confidence needed to scale their businesses and achieve measurable growth.

The program combined business fundamentals with hands-on training in financial planning, market research, AI applications and digital marketing. Participants engaged with a diverse range of experts — including business leaders, legal and tax professionals and SPC faculty — who provided practical, real-world guidance.

Program Outcomes:

• Business Growth: Participants gained an average of eight to 17 new clients and achieved revenue growth ranging from 20 to 40%, with some businesses experiencing peak increases of up to 86%.
• Operational Improvements: Businesses streamlined scheduling, financial management and staff processes with new tools and strategies.
• Skill Development: Entrepreneurs mastered digital marketing, AI applications and business planning, while also strengthening confidence, clarity and communication skills.
• Expansion: Graduates expanded their teams, secured external funding, opened new markets — including Orlando, New York City and online — and built the foundation for future scaling.

Among those celebrating success were:

• Jennifer Hill, Owner of Peterbrooke Chocolatier – Tampa Carrollwood
• Jennifer Thompson, Founder and CEO of The Moptimist
• Leslie Macao, Vice President of DIMAC Solutions

With a $500 stipend, participants applied lessons directly to their businesses, funding social media campaigns, website upgrades, premium packaging and employee incentives.

“At SPC, we believe in equipping entrepreneurs with practical skills and actionable strategies that spark immediate growth,” said Dr. Emmanuel Hernandez-Agosto, Dean at SPC’s College of Business. “This program demonstrates the transformative impact of education and community partnership — helping business owners not only achieve measurable results today but also build the foundation for long-term success.”

The program was praised as motivating, eye-opening and effective, with participants noting the immediate and lasting impact on both their businesses and personal growth.

About the Collaboration

The collaboration between Wells Fargo Foundation and St. Petersburg College reflects a shared commitment to economic empowerment, entrepreneurship and community development across the region.

Learn more about SPC's entrepreneurial programs.