Florida SBDC at Pinellas County Economic Development
Specialty: Small Business Enterprise (SBE), County Contracting, Business Systems
Jessica R. Howell is a central Florida native with a passion for helping others. She’s a proactive leader and strategic problem-solver with a career built on a foundation of military discipline, educational leadership, and high-level business operations. Currently performing the role of Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Manager and Florida SBDC at Pinellas County Economic Development (PCED) Business Consultant, she specializes in small business assistance, contract compliance, and organizational efficiency for Small Business Enterprise (SBE) participation.
Her professional experience is diverse and spans over 35 years. Ranging from managing critical logistics as a Petty Officer Third Class in the United States Navy, to a 10-year administrative assistant role at All Children’s Hospital, to owning and operating her own boutique salon, for over two decades. Howell also spent several years as an instructor and student advocate for the Pinellas County School Board; she maintained high success rates with equitable expectations for students.
Adept in systems such as B2Gnow, Salesforce, and Microsoft 365, Howell excels at guiding “Contract Ready” businesses and managing complex document transitions to improve operational impact. Overall, Howell’s professional background shows a strategic professional, skilled in operational efficiency, stakeholder engagement, and organizational growth.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Howell has served as a mentor to other small business owners within the “Take Stock in Children” program and provided peer mentorship for new transitioning teachers within Pinellas County Schools. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and expertise to help others succeed.
