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.
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.
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.
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.
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.]
This Procurement Technical Assistance Center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense.
CONTACT US
Division Director, Office of Small Business and Supplier Diversity
cmccaster@pinellas.gov
(727) 453-7200
