City staff presented a new partnership with St. Petersburg College to launch an eight‑week, pro bono management consulting pilot that will pair students with local businesses to produce a comprehensive, co‑branded business report at no cost to participating Clearwater businesses.

Audra Aha, Economic Development and Housing marketing program manager, described the program led by Dr. Andy Rojas of St. Petersburg College. Dr. Rojas and a team of enrolled students will operate as junior consultants; the course requires a minimum of six students for the pilot to proceed and is scheduled to begin in October. As of the July meeting, four students were enrolled and staff expected full enrollment by mid‑September.

The pilot will provide one Clearwater business per semester with a deliverable that includes a SWOT analysis, industry research, operational recommendations and a customized strategic growth plan. Staff said the program provides students with real‑world experience and offers small businesses professional support at no cost to the city or the participating firms.

Trustees and council members praised the cross‑sector partnership and the pilot’s potential to support community revitalization and student career development.