Tampa Bay Innovation Center, Tampa Bay Wave postpone events

The Tampa Bay Innovation Center is cancelling any pubic meetings and meetups through the end of April.

The St. Petersburg-based business incubator remains open but has adjusted its business practices, said Tonya Elmore, president and CEO.

The Innovation Center also is extending the application period for its next accelerator  progam and will announce later start date to accommodate any concerns. Participants in the current CO.STARTERS cohort program will be notified if future sessions will be held virtually, and the Innovation Center is converting in-person meetings to calls or will hold them virtually.

“Currently, we have been following all CDC recommendations and any local and state advisories. We will continue to monitor the situation and keep our community updated of any future changes,” Elmore said.

Tampa Bay Wave in Tampa is taking similar steps. Wave’s Venture Center will remain open during regular business hours, said Heather McMillan, senior operations manager. However, Wave plans to postepone all events at Wave’s Venture Center through the end of March.

She’s encouraging people to reach out through Wave’s Slack channel (tbwave.slack.com).

“Of course, as we closely monitor the ongoing situation we will remain flexible and responsive to do the right thing for our community and virus containment efforts,” McMillan said. “Within the next couple of weeks our staff may be a bit thinner than you are used to, so please use Slack as a way to reach us quickly. You can also email VENOPS@tampabaywave.org if you prefer.”