Purpose and Function


The Office of Small Business Development is committed to ensuring fair and open access to procurement and contracting opportunities sponsored by the School District. We support the participation of small businesses through certification programs, outreach events, training workshops, contract reviews, project readiness evaluations, bid preferences, and tailored networking opportunities.



Our goal is to promote competition by removing barriers that may limit participation. We work closely with internal departments to ensure qualified small businesses have a fair chance to compete for contracts at all procurement levels, including both prime and subcontracting roles.

2026: A Landmark Year of Opportunity for Local Small Businesses


As we welcome 2026, we at the School District are energized to begin a landmark year for our local economy. Small, local businesses are the lifeblood of our economy. While we recognize the current legislative shifts and challenges surrounding DEI programs across the nation, the District’s commitment to our local business community remains steadfast. We believe that a diverse and competitive vendor pool—built on the foundation of our Small Business Enterprise (SBE) program—is essential to the success of our students and the stewardship of taxpayer dollars.


With a total FY26 budget of $5.9 billion, the scale of opportunity with the district is immense. Our monthly purchasing reports consistently show strong SBE utilization, proving that our local vendors are not just participants, but leaders in providing high-quality Goods & Services and driving our Construction projects.


This year is particularly historic as we launch the new 10-year sales surtax referendum. This initiative is expected to generate over $2 billion for capital expenditures over the next decade, fueling a massive pipeline of facility renewals, technology upgrades, and new construction.


To better support our business partners, we are implementing policy and contract changes to comply with the revised Florida Statute, ensuring payments to contractors within 35 days. We know that cash flow is critical for small businesses, and we are dedicated to faster processing.


Whether you are seeking to bid as a prime vendor or looking for subcontracting and partnering opportunities, we strongly encourage you to get involved and stay involved because the School District of Palm Beach County is Your Best Choice.

Click the image to view the printable flyer

2026 Construction Procurement Summit


2026 is here—and so are the opportunities. Register today to be in the room for insights, connections, and competitive advantages.


Prime contractors, large and small subcontractors, and goods & services vendors are invited to participate in this transformative day, where attendees will learn about the flow of contracting opportunities from the District to primes and subcontractors.


Event Details:

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

8:15 AM - 1:30 PM

3300 Forest Hill Blvd. WPB, FL 33406


Register today- spaces will fill up fast!

Each of these projects include SBE participation requirements, creating millions in opportunities for certified small businesses.



To be counted toward these goals, your business must be certified with our office. Click the button below to learn how to get certified.


Once certified, register your business with BidNet Direct to stay apprised of upcoming District solicitations.

Subcontractors &

Subconsultants


Unlock Opportunity: Get the essential tools and insights to strategically prepare for outreach—know exactly which firms have been awarded contracts with the District and identify the prime contractors you’ll want to target for prequalification.

Prime and SBE Prime Contractors


Get Bid Ready: Access to everything you need to compete for District opportunities. Explore upcoming bids, learn how to register for or update your BidNet Direct account to include SDPBC, and take the steps to become prequalified—so you’re ready when the next opportunity drops.

Click the image to view the printable flyer

Register today to certify your small business with OSBD!


Ready to grow your business? The School District of Palm Beach County (SDPBC) is here to help you succeed. Discover how becoming a certified Small Business Enterprise (SBE) can expand your reach, boost your credibility, and connect you to prime contractors and direct District opportunities. Don’t miss this chance to unlock powerful advantages and position your business for future success.



Event Details:

Thursday, January 22, 2026

10:00–11:00 AM | Via Zoom


Register below and take the next step toward greater opportunities!

Click the image to view the printable flyer

Stay Informed: Registering Your Business with BidNet Direct!


Discover how to tap into upcoming contract opportunities with the School District of Palm Beach County through BidNet Direct—the e-procurement bid notification service. Learn how to register, receive real-time alerts, and access valuable insights into upcoming solicitations. Plus, find out how OSBD certification can help boost your visibility and opportunity.


Event Details:

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

10:00–11:00 AM | Via Zoom


Register below and take the next step toward staying informed!

The State Contracting and Engineering Corporation team planning for project excellence and building a strong subcontractor pipeline.

Prime Contractor Spotlight: How SCEC Builds Stronger Subcontractor Pipelines


State Contracting and Engineering Corp (SCEC) exemplifies a prime contractor committed to strengthening subcontractor pipelines. As an SBE Program graduate, SCEC meets participation goals through transparency, early engagement, and intentional outreach.


With proactive planning, ongoing SDPBC training partnerships, and values-driven leadership, SCEC shows how primes can build capacity, foster subcontractor participation, and deliver strong performance on District projects.


SCEC’s approach revealed...

Ernst S. Ange and his brother Jugins Jules - Expert leadership. Dedicated support. The foundation behind 4est Construction’s success.

Subcontractor Spotlight: How Certification, Engagement, and Professionalism Open Doors


From its early growth as an emerging firm, 4est Construction has quickly become a reliable, high-performing subcontractor in Palm Beach County.


Owner Ernst S. Ange leads the SBE-certified firm in showing how certification, targeted outreach, and consistent professionalism build visibility, strengthen prime contractor relationships, and convert engagement into contracts on School District of Palm Beach County projects.


Get Inspired by 4est’s Story...

Dr. Rooter owner, Aaron Boothe and CEO, Kadeen Boothe were awarded their first term contract as a SDPBC SBE Certified bid-awarded vendor.

Goods & Services Spotlight:

Turning SBE Certification into Opportunity- Dr. Rooter Plumbing Awarded First SDPBC Term Contract


From humble beginnings with just a few tools, Dr. Rooter Plumbing has become a trusted name in Palm Beach County, guided by faith, integrity, and professionalism.


As a newly bid-awarded, SBE-certified firm with the School District of Palm Beach County, the company shows how certification, visibility, and engagement create connections, build relationships with major contract holders, and lead to real contract opportunities.


Discover their story...

Pamela Toussaint (in yellow), President of Ultimate Image Coach, leads a problem-solving roundtable focused on low-cost marketing strategies for budget-conscious businesses.

2025 Goods & Services Summit: Local Agency Collaboration Leads to More Opportunities for Vendors


The 2025 Goods & Services Summit brought small businesses, public agencies, and SDPBC Entrepreneurship and Marketing Academy students together for a powerful day of pitching ideas, solving real-world challenges, and gaining early insight into upcoming opportunities.


From dynamic business pitch circles to peer-led problem-solving roundtables, the Summit showcased what’s possible when access, collaboration, and preparation come together.


Read More...













Students from Palm Beach Gardens High School share their most transformative learning from the Goods & Services Summit.

Patrick Chrysostome

Director

patrick.chrysostome

@palmbeachschools.org

Carline Dumornay

Administrative Assistant

carline.dumornay @palmbeachschools.org

Timothy Kimball

Business Analyst Compliance & Outreach

timothy.kimball @palmbeachschools.org


Training, Events & Outreach Team


Maricel De Leon

Manager: Training, Events & Outreach

maricel.deleon @palmbeachschools.org

Stefanie Pectal

Specialist: Training, Events & Outreach

stefanie.pectal @palmbeachschools.org


Compliance Team


Yolanda Fields

Manager: Business Compliance

yolanda.fields

@palmbeachschools.org

Mona Guerrier

Specialist: Small Business Development & Compliance for Construction

mona.guerrier

@palmbeachschools.org

Lina Lacy

Specialist: Small Business Development & Compliance for Goods & Services

lina.lacy

@palmbeachschools.org


Nicolas Tarrago

Specialist: Small Business Development & Compliance for Construction

nicolas.a.tarrago

@palmbeachschools.org