Economic Development

Economic Development works to improve Hillsborough County’s business climate and make the county more attractive for job and wealth creation. The department focuses on a wide array of economic drivers, including offering employers a well-trained workforce, attracting high-wage jobs, and diversifying the county’s economic base while helping traditional industries like convention, tourism and sports.

MBE/SBE Division

The Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Small Business Enterprise (SBE) division was created in line with the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners' objective to connect minority and small businesses with opportunities for greater economic equity.

• The MBE program is open to eligible businesses throughout Florida that have a maximum net worth of $5 million for firms in the construction industry and $4 million for other industries.

• The SBE program is open to eligible businesses located in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Hernando counties with no more than 50 permanent, full-time employees and with maximum gross annual sales of $8 million for construction industry firms and $5 million for other industries.