The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark Florida Seating’s expansion in Pinellas County. Florida Seating used Pinellas County’s Employment Sites Program (ESP) to help finance the expansion, which added more than 18,000 square feet of manufacturing space and ten new jobs to the company’s campus. Florida Seating has been woman-owned and operated since 2004 and is a leading supplier of commercial furniture to the restaurant, hospitality, and design industries. 

Pinellas County Reverse Trade Show, March 14

Meet directly with buyers and contract administrators and gain valuable insights on doing business with government agencies! This is a unique opportunity for business owners and representatives to engage directly with procurement professionals, learn about the procurement process, and understand the intricacies of securing government contracts. 

Made In Tampa Bay Expo and Job Fair, April 9

Attention Pinellas County manufacturers: this event is the perfect opportunity to exhibit your products, expand your visibility, and find qualified employees. By registering for a booth, you can directly engage with job seekers, share your company’s story, and promote career opportunities in your field. Find full details, including registration, sponsorship opportunities, and pricing, on the Bay Area Manufacturers Association website.

The Florida Medical Manufacturers Consortium's annual symposium is Florida's premier event for medical device manufacturing firms. Participants will hear from FDA speakers and expert panels on regulatory issues and industry trends. Additional opportunities include company exhibits, legislative updates, and quality networking opportunities.

Celebrate small business at the 2025 Florida SBDC at USF Business Awards! What's in it for you?

• Networking Opportunities: Connect with small business owners, partners, and colleagues
• Exhibitor Booths: Explore resources and services from key business partners
• Lunch Included: Share a meal with fellow attendees
• Celebration of Excellence: Honor the innovators and leaders shaping Florida’s economy

BIS - Complying with U.S. Export Controls, May 21 - 22

Gain essential tools to confidently navigate U.S. Export Controls in this two-day, hands-on program on the Export Administration Regulations.

SBA Disaster Loan Deadlines Extended

The Small Business Administration has announced that the filing deadline for SBA Physical Damage Disaster Loans under the Helene & Milton disasters has been extended to April 27, 2025.

For text updates about new financial assistance programs and deadlines, text “RECOVER” to 888777.

SBA Physical Damage Disaster Loans:

-April 27, 2025 (Deadline extended)

Economic Injury Loan Application deadlines:

-Hurricane Helene: June 30, 2025

-Hurricane Milton: July 11, 2025

Please join us in welcoming our new Business Development team members, Amelia Campbell and Dean Maratea. Amelia joins us as an Economic Development Manager specializing in Workforce Development. Dean will focus on the Business & Financial Services, Information Technology, and Life Sciences & Medical Technologies industry sectors as an Economic Development Manager. We are delighted to add Amelia and Dean to our team of experts dedicated to helping businesses succeed and grow in our Ideal Business Climate!