Thrive
Seaworthy Collective expands to Tampa Bay area
The organization focuses on developing support initiatives that advance the ocean impact industry.
Miami-based nonprofit Seaworthy Collective is expanding its programs to the Tampa Bay area. The effort, supported by a $500,000 grant from JPMorganChase, launched earlier this year. It was announced this month.
Seaworthy Collective focuses on creating community, workforce and economic development initiatives to encourage growth in the ocean impact “BlueTech” industry.
Board member Christine Mendonça, who is a bay area resident, was very supportive of the expansion.
After Mendonça saw the impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024, she wanted to find a way to support innovation. One of her goals was to help bring Seaworthy Collective’s work to Tampa Bay.
“The state of Florida is surrounded by water on three sides,” she said. “The ocean economy impacts all of us, in some way, shape or form. It’s important because it’s a critical component to our state.”
Seaworthy Collective board member Christine Mendonça.
Startup growth and development are a key focus of the nonprofit’s efforts.
Since 2021, Seaworthy Collective has supported 57 early-stage businesses. These organizations focus on themes such as coastal resilience, storm preparedness and remediation. Through the programs, founders and company leaders are able to work with mentors and stakeholders.
“Seaworthy helps co-create solutions with both the people who have the ideas and the people who are facing the challenges,” she explained. This can have a key impact on adoption.
One of the main objectives of the Tampa expansion is “engaging the community.” Organization staff members hope to reach individuals who are a part of the ocean economy, but may not know it. This, Mendonça said, can help foster collaboration.
Additionally, Seaworthy Collective leaders plan to launch a fellowship program in the area this fall. This initiative, she added, is designed for individuals who are trying to enter the industry or develop an idea.
Mendonça said that the effort is a precursor to the organization’s Startup Studio programming. Seaworthy leaders hope to bring an exclusive Studio initiative to the Tampa Bay region in the future.
The nonprofit also oversees the Continuum Ocean Enterprise Studio and Incubator program in Miami. The 12-week initiative helps founders scale their companies.
Seaworthy Collective is part of the Continuum, a network of ocean enterprise partners including the St. Petersburg Innovation District, Tampa Bay Wave, the University of South Florida and the World Ocean Council. This collaboration launched in 2024 with a $13.9 million National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration grant.
“We can only get founders to a certain point,” Mendonça said. “After that, they need other resources. I see our job as more additive to the community than anything else. We’re not competing. We’re helping them land to the next path in their journey.”
The goal is to be a “feeder” and help startups build relationships with other local organizations.
Seaworthy Collective has also launched a community and network platform, the Shoreline. The asset, which utilizes ecosystem mapping, regenerative frameworks and artificial intelligence, was created to provide entrepreneurs with more support, according to the nonprofit’s website. Founders can receive industry insights, resources and learn about networking opportunities.
