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 Craft Brewery Pours Up a Glass to Business Resiliency and Success
Mastry’s Brewing Co. made history by becoming the first craft distillery in St. Pete Beach, offering a unique blend of handcrafted beers and spirits. With support from the Florida SBDC at PCED, owner Matthew Dahm tackled business planning and development, and connected with lenders to secure crucial funding. “They [Florida SBDC at PCED] helped me Identify the questions that I didn’t know to ask and line me up with the resources to really set us up for success on those next steps that we’re taking with our business development.”
Pinellas AV Company Demonstrates Its Got What It Takes to Put on a Show
Utilizing the services of the Florida APEX Accelerator at Pinellas County Economic Development, Steve “Q” Berry has employed government contracting to grow and expand Style-City Music in Pinellas County. Government Contracting Consultant Yolanda Goodloe has helped guide Q through the government contracting process, and her expertise was instrumental in helping Style-City Music secure government contracts that would allow the business to showcase their talents to the United States Coast Guard and the United States Navy.
Electrical Equipment Distributor Gains Traction, Expands to Bigger Pinellas County Location
Comprehensive Supply Company owner John Ciangiulli tapped the expertise of the Florida SBDC at PCED to develop a comprehensive business plan, create a targeted marketing strategy, and improve his accounting processes, building a solid business foundation. “In the last three years we’ve doubled sales revenue each and every year and we have secured financing, both traditional financing and line of credit financing, and we continue to see growth and expect future growth in continuing to work with SBDC,” attests Ciangiulli.
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
