Republican business leader Chris Andrews is associated with a new Atlanta Growth & Opportunity Initiative, placing economic development and opportunity at the center of a closely watched local effort.

Chris Andrews, the Republican CEO of Andrews Strategic Holdings, is connected to a St. Petersburg Small Business Growth Lab, though the available information does not identify its structure or beneficiaries.

Andrews Strategic Holdings says it will publish an operating snapshot after ASH shares fell 5.09% in a day.

ASH said its Tampa Bay Small Business & Opportunity Day drew about 1,450 attendees, produced 87 business consultations and moved one Founder Challenge entrant into due diligence.

Andrews Strategic Holdings outlined free business support, career resources and a founder pitch challenge planned for Saturday in Tampa.