FSBDC at Pinellas County

The Florida SBDC at PCED is located in the Office of Small Business and Supplier Diversity. This office collaborates with our community partners to connect local entrepreneurs to business resources and strategic solutions for expansion and growth.

Helping Businesses Grow & Succeed

For 45 years, the Florida SBDC Network has accelerated Florida’s economy by providing vital support to the state’s small business community. As the state’s premier provider of entrepreneurial and business development services, the Florida SBDC Network provides entrepreneurs with professional business consulting at no cost, management training, and information necessary to grow and succeed in a complex and competitive global environment. Florida SBDC at Pinellas County proudly serves all incorporated municipalities and unincorporated Pinellas County.

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FSBDC’s Pinellas Mobile Assistance Center Will Be Open at Clearwater Main Library, Nov. 1 and Nov. 4 through Nov. 7

FSBDC’s Mobile Assistance Center (MAC) will be stationed at the Clearwater Main Library on Friday, November 1, and Monday, November 4 through Thursday, November 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to assist Pinellas County businesses with critical business recovery programs. Learn more.

Mobile Assistance Center Information:

  • Services: FSBDC will offer business recovery assistance. Walk-ins are welcome and no appointment is necessary.
  • Location: Clearwater Main Library, 100 N. Osceola Ave., Clearwater, FL 33755
  • Dates: Friday, Nov. 1, and Monday, Nov. 4 through Thursday, Nov. 7.
  • Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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Consulting Expertise

Consultant expertise is focused on areas vital to accelerating business growth, including:

  • Strategic market research
  • Market expansion and revenue growth
  • Business and strategic plan development
  • Access to capital and loan packing assistance
  • Financial analysis and assessment
  • Accounting systems and financial literacy
  • Feasibility analysis and start-up assistance
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Workshops & Seminars

Florida SBDC at Pinellas County offers hundreds of training events, both in-person and online, each year. These training events provide current and practical information on business topics ranging from business basics to more advanced management skills. Our training goes in depth, ensuring that business owners and entrepreneurs are fully equipped with the insights they need to manage and grow a successful business.

Image of SBDC Staff at Pinellas County providing a presentation to business owners in a conference room.

Specialized Services

In addition to our core service offerings of consulting, training, and information, specialized services are available to qualifying Florida businesses looking to accelerate market growth:

  • Growth acceleration
  • International Trade
  • Export Marketing Plan
  • Government Contracting
  • Business Continuation
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Ready to Grow & Succeed?

Get started on your path to success by scheduling an appointment today.

Consultations are available at no charge to your business.

Cybersecurity Resources

Empower your small business with expert guidance, and practical tools to improve cyber hygiene.

Fortify your business with resources that can safeguard your company against digital threats and ensure resilient operations.

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Connect with us.

Ready to grow your business? How can we help?

Contact: Kurt Forster, Senior Manager.

News & Success Stories

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.”

Read more.

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.

Read more.

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.

Read more.

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.]

America's SBDC Accredited Member

SBA, Your Small Business Resource

CONTACT US NOW 

Ready to grow your business? Let us help.
Kurt Forster, MA
Senior Manager
kforster@pinellas.gov
(727) 453-7200
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