Close February, Conquer March
Look back before you leap forward, plus Dr. Pate is recognized in Queens and highlights from the 55th Annual Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislators Caucus.
Hello Small Business Community! Thank you for being here and for sharing this newsletter with your networks. The team at the Office of Business Development is honored to be your partner in this work. We are New Yorkers for New Yorkers and helping small businesses understand how to do business with New York City Public Schools is what we are all about.
February is wrapping up, and while it may not have had the fireworks of January, it has been full of lessons, insights, and small wins. As we step into March, now is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and plan your next moves.
Before you dive into March, take a few moments to reflect on February:
Wins: What went better than you expected? Celebrate it, no matter the size.
Surprises: What caught you off guard? Use it as insight, not stress.
Lessons: What would you do differently next month? Leave a comment and let us know.
The businesses that thrive aren’t always the fastest—they’re the strategic and consistent. February may be ending quietly, but your growth doesn’t have to wait for a big moment.
March is a chance to:
Focus on what truly moves the needle
Streamline distractions
Show up with clarity, intention and energy
Have you had a chance to have a one on one coaching session with someone from the Office of Business Development? Send and email to set up your appointment today! open4business@schools.nyc.gov is the official inbox for the team.
Power Women of Queens
Power Women of Queens celebrates women who are making a lasting impact by advancing their fields, strengthening connections, and leading meaningful change in their communities. So we are not surprised that our very own Dr. Tammy Pate, Senior Executive Director for the Office of Business Development was recognized earlier this month.
Dr. Pate has been a leader in corporate spaces as well as in education. She is a former Queens Superintendent, a professor, an entrepreneur and the engine that ensures that our office is truly Open for Business. Schneps Media honors more women across the New York market than any other organization, building a powerful network of women alumni. Congratulations to all of the Power Women of Queens. Thanks for all that you do!
The 55th Annual Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus Was One for the Record Books
Love was in the air during the weekend of February 13-16. Love for community and elected officials for sure. The Caucus is a powerful, bipartisan group of over 70 state legislators dedicated to advancing the interests of minority communities, the working class, and the poor in New York State. Founded in 1966, it advocates for social, economic, and legislative progress, holding a major annual conference in Albany.
The Office of Business Development team was well represented at the Small Business conference hosted by the Regional Alliance for Small Contractors during the Caucus Weekend.
In between working sessions, both Dr. Pate and Dr. O’Connor had fun answering questions in an All About New York State game that created a little friendly competition.
Think you know NYS State? Answer these questions:
Shout out to the students of York College. The young people took over the entire weekend and inspired everyone who came in contact with them. They are the future and they are ready for the work. The group also represented at the Gala. See for yourself in their OOTD (Outfit of The Day) Instagram Post.