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.
Ice & Water Supplier Rebuilds and Expands with Help from Florida SBDC at PCED
Business partners Murad Ajaney and Saleem Hussein turned to the Florida Small Business Development Center at PCED for assistance after their business, Dolphin Ice and Water, sustained damage from the 2024 hurricanes. With the professional assistance of business consultant Kurt Forster, they obtained crucial funding to repair equipment, restock inventory, and get back to serving customers quickly, enabling the company to resume expansion plans that will make Dolphin Ice and Water the largest ice producer in Florida.
Resilient Family Legacy: Boutique Resorts Rebuild in St. Pete Beach after Disasters
After their business sustained damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024, Plaza Beach Resorts owners Robert and Mariuche Czyszczon turned to the Florida SBDC at Pinellas County Economic Development. The support enabled them to reopen and house displaced residents through FEMA’s Temporary Lodging Assistance program.
Pinellas County Economic Development Provides Crucial Services to New Business Village in North Greenwood
Pinellas County Economic Development is adding its small business assistance expertise to The Grove, a project designed to revitalize local business in the North Greenwood neighborhood of Clearwater, Florida. In total, The Grove is projected to provide employment to over 100 people, with an emphasis on youth and workforce development.
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
