Online business scene grows in Tampa

Our special issue on creativity is a perfect time to survey Tampa's involvement in the Internet start-up scene — a level that is rapidly increasing, and could soon put Tampa on the map with other national tech hubs.

Here's a quick look at what some.

• Groupocity.com is trying to help small Tampa Bay businesses capitalize on the continued growth of social networks. The site partners with those businesses to offer special deals that are only made available to visitors once a set number of customers signs up to accept the offer. Run by Internet entrepreneur Chad Jaquays, the site already has thousands of users subscribed to a daily e-mail list, which has proven to be effective in converting casual visitors into regular customers.

• Mouseinthehouse.info is targeting homebuyers in Central Florida with full “front-door-to-front-door” video tours of new properties. The site belongs to John Heagney, a veteran of Gulf Coast real estate public relations. Having partnered with 18 builders to show more than 100 homes online, the site will attempt to capitalize on the creation of a new online marketplace for home buying with ad sales and premium display opportunities.

• BusinessChamber.com bills itself as “an online Chamber of Commerce on steroids.” The site is targeting business professionals looking to network locally. Founded by former chief operating officer of Freedom Health (and former Review feature subject) Sidd Pagidipati, BusinessChamber.com will compete with other networks by increasing the focus on local business. The site launched last week, and will draw revenue from a combination of advertising and premium subscription services.