Aakash Patel appointed to Tampa Bay Economic Development Council Board
TAMPA, FL – As Tampa Bay continues to be known as one of the hottest places in the nation for start-ups, local leaders are turning to a millennial entrepreneur to help keep that momentum going.
Aakash Patel, CEO and Founder of Elevate, Inc. will become the newest member of the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council Board of Directors.
“I am humbled and honored to have the opportunity to make a difference in my hometown,” Aakash Patel said. “As a millennial myself, I love everything Tampa Bay has to offer and have always believed in its potential to become one of the best places in the world to do business.”
“As we work to bring new jobs and opportunities to Tampa Bay, we know that insights from millennial entrepreneurs are an invaluable piece of the puzzle,” said Craig Richard, President and CEO of Tampa Bay Economic Development Council. “We are thrilled to have Aakash on our team.”
The Tampa Bay EDC is the lead designated economic development agency for Hillsborough County and the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace. Its goal is to attract new companies to move to the area by providing customized, confidential relocation and expansion services.
Each year, some of the brightest business leaders in the region are selected to help lead the organization. Patel was recruited for his expertise in coaching businesses to succeed in Tampa Bay. The announcement was made official at the organization’s annual meeting on November 3, 2021.
At just 27 years old, Patel founded Elevate, Inc in 2012. Since then, his consulting business has helped more than 200 companies grow in Tampa Bay by providing strategy, communications and community relations guidance.
For Patel, helping people is his passion. In 2014, Florida Gov. Rick Scott tapped Patel to use his practical business skills to improve Tampa Bay’s education system. As chairman of the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County, Patel got the business community more engaged in education. Under his leadership, the coalition eliminated the VPK waiting list for parents eager to get their kids enrolled.
Just this summer, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis recognized Patel’s contributions by naming him to the Hillsborough Community College Board of Trustees. As the youngest Trustee in HCC history, he’ll have the chance to help shape the future of community colleges.
As the son of parents who immigrated to Tampa Bay from India and Uganda, Patel grew up learning the values of investing in community and hard work. He credits his upbringing for his success and involvement.
The 2019 Indo-US Chamber Businessman of the Year, Patel is a graduate of Florida State University and serves on the Tampa Bay Chamber, Leadership Tampa Bay and Tampa Club Board of Directors. He is also involved with The University of Tampa, Gasparilla Film Festival and Visit Tampa Bay.
