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.
Life-Saving Manufacturing Business Launches in Pinellas County, Florida
With assistance from Pinellas County’s Employment Sites Program (ESP), Chris Jaynes and Kathleen St. Jean have launched a truly life-saving business in Palm Harbor, Florida. AlloCyte is utilizing the ESP to help finance the renovation of an outdated manufacturing space, providing the start-up with the facility it needs to become the only U.S. producer of pharmaceutical preservation liquids required for human organ transplant. The project will result in rehabilitating more than 25,000 square feet of manufacturing space and brings 60 new high-wage jobs to Pinellas County.
Medical Care Business Flourishes While Advocating for the Underserved
C.A.R.E Agency has made significant strides in home care while advocating for disability patients and expanding its services to provide essential care to homeless individuals, with a special focus on homeless veterans. Thalia Shurns, critical care nurse of 10 plus years and owner of C.A.R.E Agency, has made it her mission to create a business that helps the community by offering in-home and hospital advocacy while also providing shelter and care for those in need.
A Need for Innovation and Hygiene turns into Business Success
In 2020, during the pandemic, Darryl and Chelsea McIntyre were in the midst of potty training their son when they quickly realized that they didn’t want him touching the public toilet seats. That’s when the couple decided to create a small business, Bubbas Potty Protection, which specializes in disposable toilet seat covers with adhesive backings and naming it after their son’s nickname. With a commitment to innovation and hygiene, this company has become a key player in the industry, offering a product that ensures cleanliness and peace of mind.
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
