City Launches Small Business Growth & Financial Empowerment Series
Published on March 04, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 4, 2026
Contact:
Kathleen Joy
Director of Communications
City of West Palm Beach - Mayor’s Office
joy@wpb.org
(561) 822-1411 (TTY: 800-955-8771)
CITY OF WEST PALM BEACH LAUNCHES SMALL BUSINESS GROWTH & FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT SERIES: "START SMART"
Free Financial & Systems Training for Certified Small Businesses
WEST PALM BEACH, FL – The City of West Palm Beach’s Office of Small Business Programs announces Start Smart: The Foundation Every Business Needs, a three-session training experience designed to help City-certified small businesses build strong financial systems, improve compliance, and scale with confidence.
This transformative experience guides participants in mastering their numbers, streamlining operations, selecting the right business structure, and strengthening cash flow management to pursue more City contracting opportunities. Registration for workshops is now open, and space is limited. Please register online here.
Program Details
Start Smart Dates:
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Session 2 – Wednesday, May 13, 2026
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Session 3 – Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Time: 6 - 8 p.m.
Location: InclusiFi, 380 Columbia Drive, Suite 100, West Palm Beach, FL 33409
Session Focus and Objectives
Session 1 – Financial Clarity & Control (Know Your Numbers)
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Focuses on setting up a chart of accounts and job-costing KPIs to ensure accurate cost estimates, pricing strategies, and data-driven decision-making.
Session 2 – Systems & Team Efficiency (Build for Growth)
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Covers connecting payroll, accounting, and project management systems (Buildertrend, Gusto, QuickBooks Online) to automate processes and align field and back-office operations.
Session 3 – Strategy & Stability (Sustain and Scale)
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Explores advanced strategies for cash flow forecasting, performance tracking (WIP and KPI dashboards), building strong business credit, and preparing for funding opportunities.
To maximize this opportunity, participants are expected to attend all three sessions and will receive the Start Smart Workbook.
The series is presented in partnership with G+F Business & Financial Consulting, led by its founder Timothy Wingate Jr., EA — a construction accountant, former builder, and author of Blueprints of Success. He bridges the field and finance to help contractors master job costing, WIP reporting, and tax planning to control cash flow.
Joining him is Litonya Salmon with The Economic Investment Firm. With more than 20 years of experience in finance, she helps clients navigate taxes, accounting, payroll, and investment strategies — creating personalized plans that eliminate debt and build long-term wealth.
The City of West Palm Beach remains committed to expanding access to opportunity, strengthening local businesses, and supporting small business participation in the community.
For additional information about this program, please contact Becky Hetrick at Becky@gplusf.com.
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About The City of West Palm Beach
The City of West Palm Beach is a vibrant and dynamic city on Florida's Atlantic coast. With a rich history, thriving arts and cultural scene, and a commitment to sustainability, the City of West Palm Beach is a great place to live, work, and play. As one of the three largest cities making up the South Florida region and the central city of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach is a vibrant, growing waterfront city that seamlessly blends the business advantages available in the area with a more refined and relaxed environment for living and working, making it an exceptional destination for both residents and professionals alike. To learn more about the City of West Palm Beach, visit our official website or follow us on our social media: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and LinkedIn.
To contact the City of West Palm Beach, please dial (561) 822-1200 (TTY 800 955-8771). For information about the City of West Palm Beach, please visit: https://www.wpb.org/home