Tampa is putting small businesses front and center with its upcoming subcontractor expo. The city's Semi-Annual Bridges to Business Subcontractor Outreach and Networking Expo is scheduled for Thursday, December 19, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., taking place at the Tampa Convention Center, located at 333 S Franklin St. This event is being opened as a chance for construction subcontractors, suppliers, and service providers to network with key industry and government figures, as reported by the City of Tampa.

The Expo, touted as the largest networking event for construction professionals in the Bay Area, connects small and minority-owned businesses with lucrative contract opportunities. Billions are earmarked for Tampa's construction projects, and the expo is an conduit for these businesses to garner essential information and forge pivotal connections. Participants will have the chance to converse with over twenty professionals, including government procurement officers, financial advisors, bonding specialists, and primary contractors.

In alignment with its diversity and inclusion goals, Tampa has been actively supporting minority and women-owned businesses through the Bridges to Business initiative for the last five years. This program, instituted as part of Mayor Jane Castor's policy to diversify City contract procurements, has borne fruit with several minority-owned firms becoming certified City vendors and obtaining contracts. "It’s all about leveling the playing field and making sure everyone, especially our minority and women-owned businesses, has a fair shot," Mayor Jane Castor stated, underscoring the significance of the expo in contributing to the city's collective growth, as per the City of Tampa.