Small Business Enterprise Program
The Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program provides opportunities for small businesses to meet the requirements to do business with Pinellas County.
Register to be a Small Business Enterprise.
Pinellas County’s Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program is a sheltered market created for qualified vendors that allows small businesses to place bids for Pinellas County purchases from $5,000 up to $100,000.
To participate in the Small Business Enterprise program, eligible businesses must complete registration as a Pinellas County vendor, and apply for the SBE Program.
What’s in it for my business?
- Support services including coaching and training on accessing opportunities, responding to quotations, and other workshops.
- Pinellas County Procurement registration required to receive Bid/RFP Notifications via email.
- Access to sheltered market opportunities & project goal inclusion on Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs).
How do I register?
To be considered, you must complete an application for the SBE Program.
How do I access vendors?
The Office of Small Business & Supplier Diversity maintains a current directory of certified SBEs. This directory is available to all bidders and prospective contractors to assist them in their efforts. Visit the SBE Program online 24/7 to review SBEs.
Is my business eligible?
The program is non-specific to gender or race and benefits all small businesses principally located in the geographical boundaries of Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, or Manatee counties. Businesses must meet the program criteria.
What do I need to know about the Consultants’ Competitive Negotiation Act and the SBE Program?
Pinellas County complies with Section 287.055 Florida Statutes known as the “Consultants’ Competitive Negotiation Act” (CCNA). CCNA establishes contracting procedures by which counties can select Professional Services. To ensure greater utilization of certified Pinellas County SBEs, the Pinellas County has qualified a pool of certified SBE Consultants for CCNA engagements below the SBE Program’s $100K sheltered market threshold.
Qualified SBEs are placed on a qualified list for engagements less than $100K and utilized by County departments based on the firm’s area of expertise and qualifications. To participate in the SBE Program, CCNA firms need to complete the additional Sheltered Market Prequalified CCNA form.
How do I renew my SBE Certification?
Renewals for certification are based on a 3-year cycle. Certification expires 3 years after the date of approval. To renew a SBE Certification, visit the Certification homepage, select the option to renew certification, login, fill out and submit the renewal application. Have questions? Contact us at businesshelp@pinellas.gov.
Pinellas County Purchasing
Additional Contracting Opportunities
More SBE Programs
Government Contracting Assistance Links
Connect with us.
Ready to learn more about the Small Business Enterprise Program? Contact:
Aubri Shauger-Haley, Economic Development Manager.
CONTACT US
