City of St. Petersburg Launches Events Honoring Black Entrepreneurs This August

City of St. Petersburg Launches Events Honoring Black Entrepreneurs This August

August 12, 2025 – During the month of August, the City of St. Petersburg recognizes National Black Business Month by celebrating the contributions of Black-owned businesses to St. Pete’s economy and culture. The Greenhouse and the City’s Office of Supplier Diversity will offer programs throughout the month to support and spotlight Black entrepreneurs.

“Our city is home to several Black-owned businesses which help the local economy thrive; and to honor those businesses, we’re pleased to recognize August as National Black Business Month,” said Mayor Kenneth T. Welch. “St. Petersburg is dedicated to driving economic development that enhances the quality of life for all residents and provides pathways for all to benefit from our progress. Every month, but especially during August, I encourage residents to shop local and support the businesses that make our community vibrant.”

EVENT LINEUP

“Shop Talk”: Coffee and Connections 

Monday, August 18
9-10:30 a.m.
Blendz Barbershop
589 22nd St. S

Held in the heart of the community at a local Black-owned barbershop, this authentic roundtable-style event brings together community members, entrepreneurs, and civic leaders for authentic conversation about business, leadership, equity, and opportunity in our city.

Building Blocks to Business Success

Wednesday, August 20
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
ARK Innovation Center
1101 4th St. S

This networking and educational event, featuring vendor exhibits and an expert panel, is designed to celebrate, engage, and support businesses through a dynamic format that includes peer-led dialogue, resource sharing, and meaningful community engagement. Visit stpete.org/BuildingBlocks to register.

Power Moves: Business 2 Business Networking

Thursday, August 28
5–7 p.m.
Foodie Lab
515 22nd St. S, Ste 130

Celebrate the innovation, impact, and resilience of Black- and minority-owned small businesses in a dynamic networking experience hosted by the City’s Office of Supplier Diversity. Local entrepreneurs, professionals, and thought leaders gather to spark new connections, share ideas, and spotlight the future of diverse enterprises in our community in an evening of inspiration, collaboration, and civic pride.

In addition to the public events, the City will host a Pillars for Progress Business Exhibition Tour for City of St. Petersburg officials, Council Members, and regional business resource partners. The guided tour will create connections and highlight the stories and services of six local Black-owned businesses.

More about The Greenhouse

The Greenhouse is St. Pete’s front door to business growth, providing business owners and entrepreneurs with the education, resources, and assistance necessary to thrive in the local economy. Comprised of an expert team from the City of St. Petersburg and the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce, along with a wide network of partners, The Greenhouse is committed to the economic growth and development of St. Pete’s economy. The Greenhouse offers comprehensive services for St. Pete’s small business community that include business consulting and mentorship, a professional network, impactful signature programs, workshops, and more. More information about The Greenhouse can be found at stpetegreenhouse.com.

More about the Office of Supplier Diversity

The Office of Supplier Diversity aims to promote fair and equal business opportunities through the intentional implementation of development programs. The Office of Supplier Diversity administers the Small Business Enterprise Program and the Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Program, which help ensure equity in contracts and procurement for all members of our community who want to do business with the City. More information about the Office of Supplier Diversity can be found at stpete.org/OSD.