Our Mission:

It is the policy of The Office of Diversity in Business Practices (ODPB) to provide all persons an equal and fair opportunity to participate in procurement and contracting opportunities sponsored by the District.

Our ultimate goal is to support sustainable growth and economic opportunities for small, women-owned, and minority businesses. School Board Policy 6.143

RELEVANT TRAININGS TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS

Putting a business together is not an easy task, especially in the beginning. In order for your business to grow, you need to invest in training. By seeking out a variety of training programs, including those mentioned below, you can improve your knowledge and skills. In turn, this will increase the chances for your small business to be successful. Read more...

Small Business University

The Office of Diversity in Business Practices at the School District of Palm Beach County, in partnership with Kaufman Lynn Construction and Palm Beach State College, is proud to announce the seventh annual Small Business University. This eight-week learning series is provided at no cost. Participants will gain knowledge in essential business areas, including interpersonal and business communication skills, legal terminology and document comprehension, and critical financial management. Additionally, supplementary courses will focus on refining marketing and procurement skills using AI, improving project management expertise for goods, services, and construction projects, and concluding with business decision-making strategies. The courses will be held online, with some also in person, every Thursday from 4:00-6:00pm at Palm Beach State College starting May 2, 2024 through June 20, 2024. Please join us and learn how to grow your business!

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Construction Update

There are currently 64 ongoing facility renewal projects (Design & Construction), 75 substantially completed projects, 4 new Facilities Renewal projects recently started.

In the coming 6 months, 30 new projects will be awarded for Architecture and 21 new projects will be awarded for Construction Management. These 51 projects range from an average of more than $5.5 million with an estimated total of $259 million.

All of these projects will have SBE participation requirements, providing millions of dollars of opportunities to certified small businesses.

The first step to taking part in these projects as a SBE and to be counted in the required quote, you must be certified with our office. To gain this important certification, please click the button following this article to learn how to certify your business with us.

Many trades needed in these projects, including:

Plumbing
Toilet Accessories
Electrical
Mechanical
Masonry & Concrete
Doors, windows, Wall and Ceiling
Finishes & Painting
Site Work & Demolition
Woods, Plastics & Composites
Electronic Safety & Security
Fire Suppression
Integrated Automation
Communications
Thermal and Moisture Protection
Site Cleaning

Roofing
Flooring
Stucco
HVAC
Metals
Openings
Specialties
Equipment
Furnishings
Special Construction
Conveying Equipment
Earth Work
Exterior Improvements
Utilities

Learn How to Get Certified

View Current and Upcoming Construction Opportunities

Certified Business Spotlight:

Plusco Supply

SBE Certified

PLUSCO SUPPLY, a beacon of exceptional service in the maintenance, repair, and operating (MRO) product sector, is excited to announce a partnership with The School District of Palm Beach County. This award marks a step in our commitment to supporting educational institutions, where we will supply essential plumbing, water heaters, and lift pump supplies.

Brett Miller, CEO of Plusco Supply, shared his excitement about this venture: "Partnering with the School District of Palm Beach County underscores our dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction. We are eager to showcase our expertise and are committed to this exciting journey. Our involvement with the educational community is a privilege, as we ensure that school facilities meet the highest standards."

Welcome Timothy!

Timothy has recently joined the Office of Diversity in Business Practices team as a Business Analyst for Compliance and Outreach, where he helps our small and minority-owned businesses get certified with the District.

Prior to his start, he spent 2 years on the academic side of FAU working as a researcher. It was there that he worked on multiple projects, one that involved designing, manufacturing, and deploying weather stations that track storms all around the state of Florida. Also, he has years of experience in web development with 2 successful website deployments currently. Timothy earned a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems with a concentration in Cybersecurity from Florida Atlantic University. Outside of work, Timothy enjoys playing games, developing software, going to the gym, watching shows, and working on his car.

If you are a small business owner and not yet certified with us, please reach out to Timothy for assistance with completing your documentation and start receiving bidding advantages as a certified vendor.

Three Small Business Owners Share Their Secrets for Success

Original Article by Erica Lamberg

Summarized by ODBP Staff

When starting a small business, there are many variables to consider from a solid business model to funding in the earliest stages, to hiring and handling marketing as you are preparing to launch.

In this article, three small business owners share what they have learned and include some tips for competing successfully in 2024 and beyond.

First and foremost, create a business around something you love to do. When you have passion for something you do, you will find it easier to overcome challenges and continue to grow. Second, be great at what you do within your industry. People will take notice and your business will grow.

4 Keys to Long-Term Success for Small Businesses

Original Article by John-Paul Smolenski

Summarized by ODBP Staff

Starting a small business can be scary, but when you’re equipped with the right tools and a positive mindset that you have what it takes to be successful, you can realize your goals. Author, John-Paul Smolenski, shares four lessons he’s learned over the past ten years.

The path to success has no shortcut- you must be willing to commit time, money and effort. If you’re committed to the process, then it’s time to get to work crunching numbers and researching. Build your data projections and consider all variables and be realistic.
Want to attract new customers? Keep current customers happy- this leads to more organic growth, or word of mouth type customers. Do research about your customers to get a better understanding of their businesses, if you’re B2B, and their