Florida Small Business Development Center sponsors reverse tradeshow

Last year’s tradeshow

BY YOLANDA COWART, FSBDC Business Consultant

PINELLAS COUNTY – Pinellas County Reverse Tradeshow is a networking event to help business owners learn what present and future procurement opportunities are available with local corporate and government agencies. For the past four years, over 350 vendors have been afforded the opportunity to speak one-on-one with procurement officers to share information about the products and services they provide.

This year’s tradeshow will take place Friday, Oct. 21 at St. Petersburg College, Seminole Campus, 9200 113th St. N, Seminole, from 8 a.m. to noon.

The tradeshow will consist of networking, procurement exhibits and a panel discussion on “Doing Business with the Government.”  Additionally, the program provides participants with access to numerous small business resources and certification programs.

These programs include, but are not limited to, the Florida Department of Transportation’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program, the State of Florida’s Minority Business Enterprise and Veteran Business Enterprise certification process and a host of other small business certifications, including the Pinellas County Small Business Enterprise certification.

Representatives from more than 25 different government agencies and corporations who purchase more than $100 million in services and supplies annually will be on hand to meet with suppliers. Agencies and corporations participating in the tradeshow includes Pinellas County government departments, Pinellas County School Board, Moffitt Cancer Center, TECO Energy, Tampa General Hospital and St. Petersburg College to name a few.

“This is an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs to interact directly with procurement officers who are seeking quality products and services, said Florida Small Business Development Center Director, Dr. Cynthia Johnson.

Registration is free and includes lunch, admission, and parking.  Please register to attend the event at www.pced.org/reversetradeshow