RNC Tampa Bay Host Committee opens small business registry

TAMPA - There are dozens of flavors to choose from at Nicola's Donuts in Carrollwood.

"The one I like the best is the chocolate on chocolate. Yeah, it's a chocolate cake donut with a chocolate icing," said small business owner Waatti.

Though she has her favorite, Waatti will tell you each one in her bakery case is the best donut in Tampa.

"That's really good cause it's nice and soft then you have that rich chocolate taste to it," she said.

She bought the small business, which has been serving our area since 1982, about a year ago.

Today she took another step to make her brand successful.

"They want to put together a small business network, which is a good thing because it's not just going to connect us with other businesses that will be coming for the convention, but also those within the area so suppliers can connect with each other," she said.

Waatti is among 500 small business owners who showed up at the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa, hoping to harness new work during the 2012 Republican National Convention. The Tampa Bay Host Committee says its new match program will help "know how" businesses "know who" to court.

"We're facilitating motivated buyers meeting qualified sellers, which are the small businesses," said Hector Barreto, Chairman of The Latino Coalition. Barreto is helping coordinate the matches.

"We want to just make those contacts, get in, get our face in front of people so to speak and then, just hope for the best,” explained Rick Donohue, General Manager Hampton Inn and Suites Largo.

"It can help them publicity-wise, throughout the nation," said Willis K.C. Bowick, Tampa Bay Black Chamber of Commerce.

There are no guaranteed contracts, just opportunities for businesses to showcase what they have to offer when August rolls around.

"When there’s an event, conventions, parties, there's always food,” said Waatti.

Small businesses can register online for the new matching opportunity starting January 20 at 2012tampa.com .