News Summary
On May 13-14, 2025, St. Petersburg will hold a Supplier Summit, combining previous events to support small and minority-owned businesses. With valuable resources and networking opportunities, the summit aims to enhance local business growth. The event includes a Supplier Success Symposium and Supplier Connection Expo, further emphasizing the city’s commitment to economic inclusivity and sustainability in the face of previous disruptions caused by hurricanes.
St. Petersburg will host a two-day event aimed at enhancing local business opportunities on May 13-14, 2025. The St. Pete Supplier Summit, organized by the city’s Office of Supplier Diversity, will combine elements from previous Supplier Diversity Day and Build St. Pete events, offering valuable resources to both small and minority business enterprises (SBEs and MWBEs).
The summit will kick off with the Supplier Success Symposium on May 13 at The Coliseum, running from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The following day, the Supplier Connection Expo will take place at Al Lang Stadium from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The purpose of the summit is to connect local businesses with purchasing and contracting opportunities that can significantly bolster their growth and sustainability.
Previously scheduled Supplier Diversity Day was canceled due to the impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton in the fall of 2024, making this summit a much-anticipated event in the local business community. The city’s commitment to fostering small, minority, and woman-owned business enterprises is evident in various ongoing initiatives.
In the fiscal year 2024, St. Petersburg awarded $13.5 million to certified small businesses, despite a small decrease from the previous year’s figures. However, since the establishment of the Office of Supplier Diversity in 2023, the certification of small, minority, and woman-owned enterprises rose significantly, with a 41% increase. In 2024, the city allocated 15% of its prime city contracts to small businesses, demonstrating a sustained commitment to inclusivity in the procurement process.
Apart from the summit, a new Green Infrastructure Program is set to provide hands-on training for local enterprises involved in construction, landscaping, and other green sectors. This initiative will enhance the capabilities and expertise of local businesses while addressing environmental concerns. The Coastal Resiliency and Environmental Training (CREST) program is set to launch through a $20,000 grant from the National League of Cities, which will support certifying local businesses with the Center for Watershed Protection and will include workforce development programs targeting service-related industries.
From March to September 2024, St. Petersburg saw an increase in certified MWBEs from 13 to 40, showcasing the city’s proactive measures in diversifying its business landscape. Over 340 small businesses participated in last year’s combined programs, setting a new attendance record. To further foster collaboration, the Office of Supplier Diversity plans to host “Meet the Primes” events, creating opportunities for general contractors to connect with subcontractors.
Another initiative, named “Ready. Set. Bid.”, will provide guidance on the procurement process to local small enterprises, ensuring they are well-prepared to compete for contracts. The procurement officials are now ‘unbundling’ extensive contracts to allow multiple vendors to win awards rather than relying on a single vendor, promoting fairness and accessibility.
In alignment with enhancing opportunities for underrepresented businesses, the city council has also approved a 10% participation goal and a 15% aspirational target for small, minority, and women-owned businesses. The intention behind these measures is to empower these enterprises to thrive and effectively contribute to the local economy.
Councilmember Brandi Gabbard has highlighted the significance of educating contractors about floodplain rebuilding, emphasizing the role this will play in enhancing community resilience against hurricanes and floods. These initiatives signify a broader commitment to sustainability and inclusive economic growth within the St. Petersburg area.
By bringing together resources and support for local businesses, the St. Pete Supplier Summit represents a critical effort to stimulate economic development while addressing the needs of the diverse business community in the region.
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Additional Resources
- St. Pete Supplier Summit Announcement
- American Supply Chain Summit
- Environmental Resiliency Training in St. Pete
- Internova’s Upcoming Industry Event
- Russia and Burkina Faso Military Cooperation Talks
- Wikipedia: St. Petersburg
- Google Search: St. Petersburg Supplier Summit
- Google Scholar: Supplier Diversity
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Small Business Administration
- Google News: Environmental Resiliency Training
