TAMPA, Fla. — Andrews Strategic Holdings (ASH) today released results from its Aug. 15 Tampa Bay Small Business & Opportunity Day at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, fulfilling the company's commitment to publicly report the initiative's community impact.

The free event welcomed approximately 1,450 attendees, with more than 60 local small businesses and entrepreneurs participating. Thirty-four businesses received complimentary marketplace space, while ASH teams provided 87 one-on-one business consultations covering finance, analytics, technology, cybersecurity, operations and growth.

The Career & Skills Pavilion generated more than 240 employment and career conversations, including 116 résumé submissions or ASH talent registrations, 41 initial screenings or interview referrals, and 53 workforce or training referrals.

ASH's Tampa Bay Founder Challenge received 38 applications, from which five finalists were selected. Following their presentations, three businesses advanced to further investment discussions, with one entering a formal 30-day due-diligence review for potential investment of up to $100,000.

"When we announced this event, I said we should be willing to measure what happened afterward," said Christopher A. Andrews, Founder and CEO of ASH. "A résumé needs to become an interview, a business introduction needs to become a relationship, and entrepreneurs need opportunities to put good advice into practice."

ASH will continue tracking employment, business and investment outcomes resulting from the event and use those findings to guide future Tampa Bay community initiatives.

"Tampa helped build this company," Andrews added. "As ASH grows, we want our growth to create opportunities here at home."