Hillsborough County, Fla. (April 29, 2026) - For a dozen years, Hillsborough County's Small Business Enterprises (SBE) Division has hosted an Open Doors Forum, a free business networking event that supports small business contracting. Over the years, thousands of entrepreneurs have made meaningful connections at the annual event, and many business success stories have resulted.
Small business owners know that you have to be tenacious and also vulnerable to get new business. Telling your story, making connections, and learning from experience is integral to the process. The annual Open Doors Forum is a chance to hone those skills and create business opportunities.
During the 12th Annual Open Doors Forum, business owners will meet prime contractors, subcontractors, government agencies, small business loan specialists, and representatives from financial institutions. Participants will learn how to do business with these exhibitors and hear details and testimonials about the County's Small Contractor Development Program, which is offered twice a year by Hillsborough County.
Visit HCFL.gov/OpenDoorsForum to register for the event.
For more information about the 12th Annual Open Doors Forum or Hillsborough's Small Business programs, call (813) 829-2650.
Who: Hillsborough County Economic Development
What: Open Doors Forum
When: 9 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, May 5
Where: The Regent, 6437 Watson Rd., Riverview, FL 33578