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.
A Fresh Take on Tradition: Fast-Casual Vietnamese Dining Thrives in Gulfport
As a first-time restaurateur, V-Roll Vietnamese Rolls & Bowls owner Stephanie Nghiem turned to the Florida SBDC at Pinellas County Economic Development and the Florida SBDC at USF for guidance. With the support of business consultants Debra Schweikowsky and Greg Manning, she navigated financing options, developed detailed financial projections, and selected the ideal location after evaluating multiple markets.
Hard Hats & Taps Event Serves Up New Opportunities for Local Construction Businesses
On July 29 Pinellas County Economic Development’s Hard Hats and Taps event, co-hosted by the Florida Small Business Development Center, connected 91 attendees representing construction-related businesses and prime contractors in an informal setting at Bayboro Brewing in St. Petersburg, Florida. The goal? Help local businesses find new avenues for growth in a fun, informal setting.
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.
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 War, 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
