Austin ISD Economic Opportunity Office

Austin ISD Economic Opportunity Office Economic Opportunity Office creates space for supplier diversity to encourage economic equity.

Thank you all for joining us last Thursday as we launched our Small Business Program. Follow us for the latest opportuni...
08/03/2026

Thank you all for joining us last Thursday as we launched our Small Business Program. Follow us for the latest opportunities and tag yourself in the comments if you see yourself 😁

Meet the new Small Business Program team tomorrow as we roll out our program with our Though Provoking Thursday session ...
07/29/2026

Meet the new Small Business Program team tomorrow as we roll out our program with our Though Provoking Thursday session with Contractors Growth Alliance, Central Texas (CGA-CTX), Austin Independent School District - Construction Management Department and City of Austin Government Certification Division!

If you have not registered already please use this lnkd.in/gnf6tbYm.

T-4 days until Austin ISD's Small Business Program Launch on July 30th from 10:30am - Noon at Bowie High School in Austi...
07/28/2026

T-4 days until Austin ISD's Small Business Program Launch on July 30th from 10:30am - Noon at Bowie High School in Austin!

Register today so you don't miss the opportunity to hear from John Robinson Chief Executive Officer for STR Constructors and President of the Contractors Growth Alliance Central Texas, Sandra Fabian-Ramirez Business Development Counselor II with Austin’s Small and Minority Business Resources, and Melfi Brunson Director of Project Controls within AISD’s Construction Management.

Our featured presenters come with valuable insights on building successful partnerships, navigating opportunities, and positioning small businesses for growth in today's construction market.

See you there!
https://lnkd.in/gnf6tbYm

Join the Austin ISD Economic Opportunity Office as we officially launch our new Small Business Program and learn about u...
07/20/2026

Join the Austin ISD Economic Opportunity Office as we officially launch our new Small Business Program and learn about upcoming opportunities to do business with the District.

This in-person event is designed for current and prospective contractors, consultants, subcontractors, suppliers, and community partners interested in partnering with Austin ISD.

Session Highlights:

Introduction to Austin ISD's New Small Business Program
Contractors Growth Alliance Central Texas – Resources and business development opportunities for contractors
Small Business Certification Resources – Learn how existing trade partners and businesses interested in working with Austin ISD can become certified to expand contracting opportunities.
Construction Management Project Updates – 2022 Bond Program Update
Networking and Q&A with Austin ISD staff and community partners

Whether you are already doing business with Austin ISD or looking to get started, this session will provide valuable information on program requirements, available resources, and strategies to help your business compete for future opportunities.

Complete the registration form to reserve your seat.

https://tinyurl.com/3f6w6dan

We look forward to seeing you there!

06/24/2026

Hi, I'm Dinita Caldwell, MBA, Director of the Austin Independent School District - Economic Opportunity Office.
I'm thrilled to be part of the Foundation for Better Business Blueprint program as a panelist discussing Strategic Partnerships and Public Sector Engagement.
In this session, you'll learn how to build meaningful connections between the public and private sectors, the kinds of partnerships that open doors for small businesses and create real opportunities in government contracting. You'll hear real examples, proven strategies, and walk away with a playbook you can actually use.
Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to expand into public sector work, or you're building your network in government contracting, this panel is for you.
We're bringing authentic voices and practical insights. Join us on June 25th.
Let's build stronger partnerships together. I'll see you there."

Register today: https://bit.ly/3O99tqW

Summer Intern Spotlight: Welcome, Makale Edwards!Thank you to Katrina Montgomery, Chief Financial Officer, for your visi...
06/11/2026

Summer Intern Spotlight: Welcome, Makale Edwards!

Thank you to Katrina Montgomery, Chief Financial Officer, for your visionary leadership and commitment to uplifting the next generation of leaders as we welcome Makale Edwards to the Finance Division at Austin Independent School District!

Educational Path:
Makale is an accounting student at Huston-Tillotson University, where he also pursues a minor in saxophone music performance. A W.E.B. DuBois Scholar, he ranks in the top 5% of his university, a reflection of the same disciplined approach he brings to both finance and the stage.

What aspect of your internship are you most excited about?
Makale's experience spans government, nonprofit, and community tax services. At the Texas Department of Information Resources, he managed accounts payable and receivable workflows. At Missouri United Methodist Church, he digitized financial systems and presented budget trends to leadership, translating complex data into clear, actionable insight. Through the Temple University VITA Program with United Way, he provided free IRS-certified tax preparation services to low-income individuals and families in the Temple area. Across every setting, his focus has been on making financial information accessible and useful to the people who need it most.

What drives you?
Makale believes accounting is not just about numbers, it's about providing the clarity organizations need to grow. That conviction shows up in his campus leadership as well. Serving as Mr. Huston-Tillotson, he leads with integrity and manages real financial responsibility for his peers. The analytical rigor of finance and the disciplined creativity of music performance push him to keep improving in everything he does.

Welcome, Makale!!!! We're thrilled to have you with us!

SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT EVENTFrom Proposal to Contracts: Tips for Success: A Special Edition of Thought-Provoked ThursdayDate:...
05/26/2026

SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT EVENT
From Proposal to Contracts: Tips for Success: A Special Edition of Thought-Provoked Thursday
Date: May 28th, 2026
Time: 9:00 am – 10:30 am
Register: https://lnkd.in/gfSTYaub

Small business success starts with understanding the rules of the game. The Austin Independent School District - Economic Opportunity Office is hosting a special edition of Thought-Provoked Thursday to demystify the procurement process, giving you direct access to the leadership team that evaluates your bids, makes contract decisions, and shapes the pathway for small-business vendors in our district.

Whether you’re submitting your first bid or refining your proposal strategy, this session cuts through the confusion and gives you the insider perspective you need to submit stronger bids, avoid costly mistakes, and compete with confidence.

Joycie Adeyemi, Procurement Services • Contract & Procurement, Austin ISD
Procurement and Contracts leader with over 15 years of progressive experience managing complex purchasing, contract administration, and compliance functions across public sector and education organizations. Currently, oversee $2.4B+ in district-wide procurement activities, implementing cost-saving strategies, operational improvements, and team leadership to align with strategic goals. Proven ability to lead high-performing teams, standardize procurement processes, and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Extensive experience in developing and enforcing procurement policies, managing KPIs, and enhancing transparency and efficiency in sourcing and contract ex*****on. Adept at cross-functional collaboration with finance, legal, and operational stakeholders to ensure accountability and performance across diverse procurement initiatives. Recognized for delivering measurable savings, improving vendor management, and building strong internal controls that support organizational and fiscal goals.

What You’ll Learn
How to Read & Respond to Solicitations: What evaluators actually look for
Submission Essentials: Timing, formatting, and compliance best practices
Common Pitfalls: The errors that trigger rejections and how to avoid them
The Evaluation & Award Process: Understanding how decisions are made
Protests & Debriefs: Knowing your options when things don't go as planned
Cooperative Dynamics: Do's and Don'ts for Cooperative Bidding

Register Now
Eventbrite Registration Link
https://lnkd.in/gfSTYaub
Come ready to learn. Bring your questions.

SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT EVENTFrom Proposal to Contracts: Tips for Success: A Special Edition of Thought-Provoked ThursdayDate:...
05/12/2026

SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT EVENT
From Proposal to Contracts: Tips for Success: A Special Edition of Thought-Provoked Thursday
Date: May 28th,26
Time: 9:00 am – 10:30 am
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/special-edition-tpt-from-proposal-to-contracts-tips-for-success-tickets-1988410773149

Small business success starts with understanding the rules of the game. The Austin ISD Economic Opportunity Office is hosting a special edition of Thought-Provoked Thursday to demystify the procurement process, giving you direct access to the leadership team that evaluates your bids, makes contract decisions, and shapes the pathway for small-business vendors in our district.
Whether you’re submitting your first bid or refining your proposal strategy, this session cuts through the confusion and gives you the insider perspective you need to submit stronger bids, avoid costly mistakes, and compete with confidence.

Meet Your Speaker
Krystal Frank
Executive Director of Contracts & Procurement, Austin ISD
Krystal Frank is a seasoned public procurement executive with 17 years of experience managing complex procurement and contracting operations across government, education, and private industry. As Executive Director of Contracts & Procurement for Austin ISD, she provides strategic leadership for all procurement functions, with a primary focus on construction procurement in support of the district's $2.4 billion 2022 Bond Program.

A proud U.S. Army veteran, Krystal served eight years as a Logistician, where she developed the discipline, integrity, and mission-driven leadership that continues to define her career. Her public sector experience includes serving as Director of Procurement and Contracting Services for the State of Texas, as well as leadership roles in facilities and supply chain management within the private sector.

Krystal holds a Master of Legal Studies in Business Law and Compliance, a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, and professional certifications as a Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) and Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD). Recognized for her collaborative leadership, compliance expertise, and dedication to the ethical stewardship of public funds, she is widely regarded as a trusted advisor and change agent in government procurement.

What You’ll Learn
How to Read & Respond to Solicitations: What evaluators actually look for
Submission Essentials: Timing, formatting, and compliance best practices
Common Pitfalls: The errors that trigger rejections and how to avoid them
The Evaluation & Award Process: Understanding how decisions are made
Protests & Debriefs: Knowing your options when things don't go as planned
Cooperative Dynamics: Do's and Don'ts for Cooperative Bidding

Register Now
Eventbrite Registration Link
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/special-edition-tpt-from-proposal-to-contracts-tips-for-success-tickets-1988410773149
Come ready to learn. Bring your questions.

The Economic Opportunity Office at Austin ISD invites small businesses interested in bidding work for the 2022 Bond to a...
05/04/2026

The Economic Opportunity Office at Austin ISD invites small businesses interested in bidding work for the 2022 Bond to attend our next Thought-Provoking Thursday Webinar Series — "From Proposal to Contracts: Tips for Success."

This virtual event is scheduled for Thursday, May 28th, 2026, at 9:00 am – 10:30 am!

Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/special-edition-tpt-from-proposal-to-contracts-tips-for-success-tickets-1988410773149?aff=oddtdtcreator

Austin ISD EOO: Helping Small Businesses Move From Proposal to Contract!

The Economic Opportunity Office at Austin ISD is proud to partner with organizations and other Austin ISD departments that share our commitment to building a stronger, more competitive small-business community across Central Texas — one contract at a time.

For this special edition of Thought-Provoking Thursday, we're bringing together the leadership team from Austin ISD's Contracts and Procurement to walk small businesses through what it really takes to successfully submit district contracts and forgo errors in the submission process.

We're honored to welcome our featured speakers for this special edition:
Krystal Frank, Executive Director of Contracts, Procurement & Economic Opportunity Office — Opening Remarks & Introduction
Joycie Adeyemi, Director of Contracts & Procurement

Austin ISD is committed to ensuring that every qualified small business has a clear, fair pathway into the district's procurement process. From understanding solicitations to navigating evaluations, this session is designed to demystify what happens behind the scenes — so your business can submit stronger bids, avoid common pitfalls, and compete with confidence.

During this session, our speakers will break down the procurement process step by step, with practical guidance on:
1. Understanding and How to Submit a Solicitation
2. Frequent Errors to avoid in your bid submission
3. The Award and Evaluation Process — how decisions are made
4. Protests and Debriefs — and the key differences between the two
5. Correct and Timely Bid Uploading — best practices to keep your submission compliant
6. The Do's and Don'ts of Cooperatives

📈 Small business. Strong proposals. Successful contracts. That's the Austin ISD way.
🔗 Register today and come ready to learn!

🏗️ It's LAUNCH DAY — Day 1 of National Small Business Week 2026!The Austin ISD Economic Opportunity Office is kicking of...
05/04/2026

🏗️ It's LAUNCH DAY — Day 1 of National Small Business Week 2026!
The Austin ISD Economic Opportunity Office is kicking off the week with the most important question every small business owner needs to answer: Is your foundation solid?

🧱 The Launch Day checklist:
✅ Business structure chosen (LLC, S-Corp, etc.)
✅ EIN registered with the IRS (free)
✅ Texas Secretary of State filing current
✅ SCORE Austin mentor lined up
✅ Certifications started (HUB, MBE, WBE, 8(a))
🎯 Three local events happening TODAY:

1. State of Small Business in Austin breakfast & panel (9 AM) — sets the economic foundation for the week
2. Microloans and Funding Paths for Small Businesses — City of Austin
3. Show Me the Money with EGBI (11:30 AM)

✅ Today's challenge: Register or verify your business in the Texas Secretary of State portal. If you're a minority, women, or veteran-disabled business owner, START your certification application today.

What's the ONE foundation step you've been putting off? Drop it below 👇 We'll point you to the right resource.

Address

Austin, TX

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 5pm
Tuesday 7am - 5pm
Wednesday 7am - 5pm
Thursday 7am - 5pm
Friday 7am - 5pm

Telephone

+15124143120

Website

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