FSBDC at Pinellas County

The Florida SBDC at PCED is located in the Office of Small Business and Supplier Diversity. This office collaborates with our community partners to connect local entrepreneurs to business resources and strategic solutions for expansion and growth.

Helping Businesses Grow & Succeed

For 45 years, the Florida SBDC Network has accelerated Florida’s economy by providing vital support to the state’s small business community. As the state’s premier provider of entrepreneurial and business development services, the Florida SBDC Network provides entrepreneurs with professional business consulting at no cost, management training, and information necessary to grow and succeed in a complex and competitive global environment. Florida SBDC at Pinellas County proudly serves all incorporated municipalities and unincorporated Pinellas County.

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The Pinellas Mobile Assistance Center Event has been postponed due to preparation for Tropical Storm Milton

The Florida SBDC at Pinellas County will be at the Pinellas Mobile Assistance Center to assist with the following programs:

Can’t make it there? Request an appointment with a consultant. Visit pced.org/hurricane for more resources.

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Consulting Expertise

Consultant expertise is focused on areas vital to accelerating business growth, including:

  • Strategic market research
  • Market expansion and revenue growth
  • Business and strategic plan development
  • Access to capital and loan packing assistance
  • Financial analysis and assessment
  • Accounting systems and financial literacy
  • Feasibility analysis and start-up assistance
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Workshops & Seminars

Florida SBDC at Pinellas County offers hundreds of training events, both in-person and online, each year. These training events provide current and practical information on business topics ranging from business basics to more advanced management skills. Our training goes in depth, ensuring that business owners and entrepreneurs are fully equipped with the insights they need to manage and grow a successful business.

Image of SBDC Staff at Pinellas County providing a presentation to business owners in a conference room.

Specialized Services

In addition to our core service offerings of consulting, training, and information, specialized services are available to qualifying Florida businesses looking to accelerate market growth:

  • Growth acceleration
  • International Trade
  • Export Marketing Plan
  • Government Contracting
  • Business Continuation
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Ready to Grow & Succeed?

Get started on your path to success by scheduling an appointment today.

Consultations are available at no charge to your business.

Cybersecurity Resources

Empower your small business with expert guidance, and practical tools to improve cyber hygiene.

Fortify your business with resources that can safeguard your company against digital threats and ensure resilient operations.

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Connect with us.

Ready to grow your business? How can we help?

Contact: Kurt Forster, Senior Manager.

News & Success Stories

Medical Care Business Flourishes While Advocating for the Underserved

C.A.R.E Agency has made significant strides in home care while advocating for disability patients and expanding its services to provide essential care to homeless individuals, with a special focus on homeless veterans. Thalia Shurns, critical care nurse of 10 plus years and owner of C.A.R.E Agency, has made it her mission to create a business that helps the community by offering in-home and hospital advocacy while also providing shelter and care for those in need.

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A Need for Innovation and Hygiene turns into Business Success

In 2020, during the pandemic, Darryl and Chelsea McIntyre were in the midst of potty training their son when they quickly realized that they didn’t want him touching the public toilet seats. That’s when the couple decided to create a small business, Bubbas Potty Protection, which specializes in disposable toilet seat covers with adhesive backings and naming it after their son’s nickname. With a commitment to innovation and hygiene, this company has become a key player in the industry, offering a product that ensures cleanliness and peace of mind.

Read more.

Pinellas County’s International Business Development Efforts Attract Australian Delegation to Explore Trade Opportunities

In early May 2024, several Pinellas County businesses enjoyed a unique opportunity. As part of Special Operations Forces (SOF) Week, a delegation of Australian Defense companies toured St. Petersburg’s Maritime and Defense Technology HUB, meeting with companies to explore potential connections for trade and investment.

Read more.

The FSBDCN at Pinellas County Economic Development is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access/Affirmative Action Institution. For disability accommodations please contact St. Petersburg College Security at (727) 791-2560  a minimum of five days in advance.

The FSBDCN at Pinellas County Economic Development is a member of the Florida SBDC Network, a statewide service network funded in part through cooperative agreements with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Defense Logistics Agency, State of Florida, and other private and public partners; hosted by the University of West Florida; and nationally accredited by the Association of SBDCs. 

State Designated as Florida’s Principal Provider of Business Assistance [§ 288.001, Fla. Stat.]

America's SBDC Accredited Member

SBA, Your Small Business Resource

CONTACT US NOW 

Ready to grow your business? Let us help.
Kurt Forster, MA
Senior Manager
kforster@pinellas.gov
(727) 453-7200
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