Policy updates aim to expand small business opportunities at TPA

September 1, 2026 - 01:13

The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Board has signed off on key changes to the airport's business opportunity programs, aiming to give small businesses a real shot at airport contracts and concession deals. The updated Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program is built to help qualified local companies compete for construction work, professional services, and retail or dining spaces inside the terminal.

Under the revised rules, the program now sets clearer participation goals for prime contractors on larger projects, requiring them to make a good faith effort to bring small businesses into the fold. The board also raised the cap on what counts as a small business, which means more companies will qualify than before. That change opens the door for mid-sized firms that previously missed the cutoff.

Airport officials say the move is about leveling the playing field, not just checking a box. They want to see more diverse vendors doing business at TPA, from food and beverage operators to janitorial services and engineering consultants. The program also includes new mentoring and outreach components, pairing experienced firms with smaller ones to help them navigate the airport's bidding process.

The updates come after months of feedback from local business groups and a review of how other major airports handle supplier diversity. The board's vote was unanimous, and staff will now begin rolling out the new guidelines over the next few months. For small business owners, the message is simple: the airport is open for business, and the door is wider than it used to be.