Celebrate Small Business Month at the Small Business Showcase and Networking event designed to connect local entrepreneurs with new opportunities and growth resources in Broward County

Broward County, Florida – Small businesses across South Florida will soon have a chance to connect directly with school district decision-makers, explore new opportunities, and learn modern growth strategies during a special event held in celebration of Small Business Month.

The Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) Economic Development Opportunities and Compliance Department (EDOC) will host the Small Business Showcase and Networking event on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The gathering will take place at Signature Sunrise, located at 10610 W. Oakland Park Blvd. in Sunrise, Florida.

The event is designed to bring together small, minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses with representatives from BCPS. Organizers say the goal is to create a direct pathway for local entrepreneurs to better understand how to work with the district, including how to access procurement opportunities and navigate the certification process.

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Throughout the afternoon, attendees will have the chance to engage with district staff, ask questions, and learn how to position their businesses for future contracts. The event is also expected to serve as a networking hub, giving business owners the opportunity to build relationships not only with BCPS representatives but also with other local entrepreneurs facing similar challenges and opportunities.

A key feature of the showcase will be its focus on business development in a changing digital environment. Two live AI workshops are scheduled during the event, taking place at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. These sessions will introduce attendees to artificial intelligence tools that can help improve business operations, increase efficiency, and support revenue growth.

Topics are expected to include automation strategies, operational scaling, and practical ways small businesses can use emerging technology to stay competitive. Organizers say the workshops are designed to be accessible, even for business owners who may have limited experience with AI-based tools.

In addition to the workshops, the event will include a business expo where vendors can showcase their products and services. This portion of the program aims to give small businesses direct visibility in front of potential partners and buyers, while also highlighting the variety of services available within the local business community.

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EDOC staff will also be present throughout the event to provide guidance on BCPS supplier diversity initiatives. The department’s mission includes expanding access for local businesses to participate in district procurement processes and increasing awareness of opportunities available within the school system.

May being National Small Business Month adds further significance to the gathering. Organizers describe the event as both a celebration and a practical support platform for entrepreneurs working to grow and sustain their businesses in a competitive environment.

By combining networking, education, and direct access to procurement information, the Small Business Showcase aims to strengthen the connection between BCPS and the local business community, while encouraging long-term economic growth across the region.

Credit: Broward County Public Schools