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.

Image of SBDC logo.
Photo of man meeting with woman, discussing business consulting at a table in a blue room.

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 assistaance
  • Financial analysis and assessment
  • Accounting systems and financial literacy
  • Feasibility analysis and start-up assistance
Image of SBDC branded mugs on a table.

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
Image of two businesspeople shaking hands.

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.

Headshot of Kurt Forster

Connect with us.

Ready to grow your business? How can we help?

Contact: Kurt Forster, Senior Manager.

News & Success Stories

Woman Finds Her Passion in Real Estate, Giving Back

Client Pamela Bell has nothing but praise for the assistance provided by Kurt Forster and the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at PCED. “I am telling you the SBDC was a godsend to me. I never would have known how to put everything together the way that it has.” Bell owns her own Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) and holds her license under Coastal Christies Property Group, LLC, which focuses on residential, investment, and commercial properties, including luxury.

Read more.

Hydro-Dyne Engineering Overcomes Challenges and Continues Growth with Assistance from PCED

For more than a decade, Pinellas County Economic Development (PCED) has worked closely with local manufacturer Hydro-Dyne Engineering to help the company sustain its continued growth and success in Pinellas Park, Florida. Continually fostering a relationship with the company, PCED staff members have over the years been able to quickly identify and recommend solutions to challenges Hydro-Dyne has faced.

Read more.

Dumpster Business Thrives by Serving Small Businesses

When Kendal Lucas decided to start a new dumpster business, he accessed the expertise of the Florida SBDC at Pinellas County Economic Development (PCED) for guidance. Kurt Forster, Florida SBDC at PCED Center Manager, worked with Lucas to connect with a business forecaster, learn how best to acquire assets at a sustainable pace, and increase revenue by working with subcontractors. Moving forward, Lucas states that he is excited to continue using the Florida SBDC at PCED to gain more knowledge that will grow his business, especially with the Profit Mastery workshop and the guidance of Forster.

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
Linkedin