City of Largo, Florida

Events and Opportunities for Pinellas County Business Owners

Learn more about some of the free events and opportunities for business owners in Pinellas County that will be presented over the next few weeks to enhance your skills. Read more about these events below and click on the links to register.

August 9, 2012, 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. - Breakfast Should Manufacturers Be ISO Certified?

The Florida Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is hosting a complimentary continental breakfast meeting at the Science Center of Pinellas County, located at 7701 22^nd Ave., North St. Petersburg, FL 33710. The MEP will discuss why some manufacturers should consider ISO certification also known as the International Organization for Standardization, a type of Quality Management System certification. The ISO standard lists requirements and guidelines that provide the foundation for a robust management system that is focused on customer satisfaction and continuous improvement. Experts will be available for further discussion about the ISO process. Seats are limited. Register here.

August 14, 2012, 8:30 a.m. - Tech Talk: Profit or Growth A Fool's Choice

Business owners and entrepreneurs face many challenges when trying to decide between the need to generate profits and the need to fund growth. This doesn't have to be an either-or decision. Chuck Papageorgiou will present a framework and strategies for dealing with this challenge in a balanced way.

Presented by Tampa Bay Innovation Center as part of the eHub, TECH Talk is the area's premier networking and education event developed specifically to meet the interest of the local entrepreneurial community. Visit the Tech Talk registration page.

August 16, 2012, 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Business Class- Funding High Growth Technology Business

The Small Business Development Center at Pinellas County will offer a new business class for funding high growth technology. Explore the source of financing available and learn what types of funding best fit your business model for growth, including state incentives and capital programs. The cost to register is $10 per person. Register here.

August 30, 2012, 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. - The Pinellas County Finance Fair

The Pinellas County Finance Fair is a free event for entrepreneurs hosted at the EpiCenter, at 13805 58^th St. N, Clearwater, FL 33760. The annual event is help for aspiring entrepreneurs and current business owners. Discuss your needs with a loan officer or browse the financing options in one convenient spot. Last year, over 25 lenders participated to assist businesses with growth and expansion. Lenders and exhibitors are also encouraged to participate for a small fee. To make an appointment for finance counseling, please e-mail businesshelp@pinellascounty.org or call (727) 453-7200. To register in advance for the Finance Fair, visit www.pced.org/financefair.

August 31, 2012 Deadline for Employed Worker Training Program

The Governing Board of WorkNet Pinellas, Inc is requesting sealed proposals from qualified employers for the provision of training for their existing workforce. The WorkNet Employed Worker Training program is designed to assist employees in developing higher skills and receiving increased wages. This program also serves to promote business retention and contribute to the overall economic growth within the region. The Request for Proposals (RFP) deadline is August 31, 2012. Download the RFP here and, Contact kdailey@worknetpinellas.org for more information.

September 17, 2012 Deadline for Department of Defense Opportunity

A Rapid Innovation Fund (RIF) has been created to encourage collaboration between the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and small businesses through national defense projects. The RIF specifically seeks projects that resolve operational challenges or other critical national security needs and have demonstrated paths into a defense acquisition program. Examples include but are not limited to capabilities that: accelerate or enhance a military capability; reduce the development, acquisition, sustainment, or lifecycle costs of defense acquisition programs or fielded systems; reduce technical risk; and improve the timeliness and thoroughness of test and evaluation outcomes. Click here for complete details on the Army Rapid Innovation Fund Broad Agency Announcement, and here for the Navy Rapid Innovation Fund Broad Agency Announcement. The deadline for white papers is Sept. 17, 2012.

September 18-19, 2012 Florida Defense & Technology Showcase, September. 18 -19

The Florida Defense & Technology Showcase (FDTS) is a reverse trade show that allows subcontractors to exhibit and meet defense industry contractors looking for new suppliers. This event provides business owners with a great opportunity to increase sales and develop partner and vendor relationships. Tuesday, September 18^th is the showcase, luncheon, matchmaking and networking reception. Wednesday, September 19^th is the 2^nd Annual Golf Tournament. For more information, visit www.fdtshowcase.com or contact Jen Suereth at suerethj@tbiinnovates.com or (727) 547-7340.

View past stories of the week here.