Small Business & Supplier Diversity
The Office of Small Business & Supplier Diversity (OSBSD) assists small businesses at every step of the way and is dedicated to enhancing the participation of small business in Pinellas County’s procurement opportunities. Startups, established businesses, or companies looking for resources can expect personalized assistance, consulting, classes and more to start, scale or accelerate.
Solutions for small businesses.
Pinellas County is known for its entrepreneurial ecosystem and rich history of innovation. Located on West Florida’s Central Gulf Coast in Florida, in one of the best business climates in the nation, Pinellas entrepreneurs and small businesses have the freedom to innovate, grow and prosper. Startups and businesses can take advantage of the hands-on, personalized approach to business assistance offered in Pinellas County.
The Office of Small Business & Supplier Diversity delivers professional, high quality, education and assistance, economic opportunity, and access to capital to generate employment and economic growth for small businesses and pre-venture entrepreneurs as a partner with the Florida SBDC Network at Pinellas County. Additionally, the OSBSD is dedicated to enhancing the participation of small business in Pinellas County’s procurement opportunities. The OSBSD is responsible for the compliance of the Small Business Enterprise Program and provides support to certified businesses through business development and procurement advocacy programs, in cooperation with other departments and agencies.
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News & Success Stories
Stay updated on the latest industry news in Pinellas County.
Grassroots Organization Builds Pathways to Opportunity in North Greenwood
The Clearwater Urban Leadership Coalition, led by Executive Director Gloria Campbell and Director of Communications Marilyn Turman, is spearheading “The Village,” an innovative small-business incubator in the North Greenwood area. The project aims to support 10 to 12 small businesses and create up to 15 jobs in a neighborhood long impacted by disinvestment.
Defense Contractor Expansion Fuels Economic Growth in Pinellas County
Defense contractor McCormick Stevenson expanded its Pinellas County operations to add manufacturing, assembly, and test capabilities to its existing headquarters and engineering services. The expansion involved redeveloping a former 16,000-square-foot retail facility and was supported by Pinellas County’s Employment Sites Program. McCormick Stevenson has created 50 engineering and technology jobs since its founding over 27 years ago and expects to add dozens of new science and engineering positions over the next 10 years.
Martial Arts Business Builds Strength in St. Petersburg Community
While Eric Taylor, owner and head instructor of Suncoast Martial Arts Group, had mastery in martial arts, navigating business ownership was a new challenge. Connecting with business consultant Debra Schweikowsky at the Florida Small Business Development Center at Pinellas County Economic Development, Taylor gained the tools needed to grow and sustain the business.
The Florida SBDC at Pinellas County is a member of the Florida SBDC Network, a statewide partnership program nationally accredited by the Association of America’s SBDCs and funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Department of Defense, State of Florida, and other private and public partners, with the University of West Florida serving as the network’s headquarters. Full funding disclosure available at www.floridasbdc.org/funding-disclosures/. Florida SBDC services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Language assistance services are available for individuals with limited English proficiency.
State Designated as Florida’s Principal Provider of Business Assistance [§ 288.001 Fla. Stat.]
CONTACT US
Division Director, Office of Small Business and Supplier Diversity
cmccaster@pinellas.gov
(727) 453-7200
