Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion to enter into an advanced-pay grant agreement for $70,000.00 with The Columbus Urban League (CUL), a non-profit corporation, to serve as the host for the Columbus Region Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC).
The Columbus Urban League is the host of the Columbus Region Minority Business Assistance Center, servicing the needs of Ohio’s small businesses. The Center provides important services including technical assistance, professional consulting, access to capital and assistance obtaining contract opportunities. A primary objective of the program is to identify emerging businesses and cultivate growth and sustainability. The realization of this objective will strengthen the small business community, support job creation and further economic growth in Columbus as well as the State of Ohio. The Columbus Region Minority Business Assistance Center is committed to establishing a network of industry partners to ensure that MBAC clients receive the assistance needed to sustain and grow.
The City’s support of the Columbus Region Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) may support personnel, services, and supplies costs. No grant funds will be used for the purchase of any food or beverages. The City’s support in advance is necessary in order for operations to continue uninterrupted.
Contract Compliance: The Columbus Urban League, Vendor# 006073, CC-006073 (Expiration Date: 8/11/2027)
Emergency Designation: Emergency action is requested to ensure uninterrupted operations of the Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) for the purpose of assisting small businesses. Without immediate funding, this impactful program serving small business community may be at risk of disruption
Fiscal Impact: This ordinance authorizes the expenditure of $70,000.00 from the General Fund for this agreement ($70,000).
Title
To authorize the Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion to enter into an advanced-pay grant agreement for $70,000.00 with The Columbus Urban League, a non-profit corporation, for the purpose of assisting the Columbus Urban League (CUL) to serve as the host for the Columbus Region Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC); to authorize a transfer within the General Fund; to authorize the expenditure of $70,000.00 from the 2026 General Fund Budget; and to declare an emergency. ($70,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Ohio Development Services Agency has partnered with the Columbus Urban League, a non-profit corporation, to host the Columbus Region Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC); and
WHEREAS, the Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) serves the need of Ohio’s small businesses; and
WHEREAS, the Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) provides important services including technical assistance, professional consulting, access to capital and assistance obtaining contract opportunities; and
WHEREAS, a primary objective of the Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) is to identify emerging businesses and cultivate growth and sustainability; and
WHEREAS, the Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion desires to enter into an advanced-pay grant agreement with the Columbus Urban League (CUL) for the purposes of supporting the Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) for the purpose of assisting the small business community of Columbus, Ohio; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize a transfer and expenditure of $70,000.00 within the Office of Diversity and Inclusion general fund; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the City of Columbus in that it is immediately necessary to enter into an advanced-pay grant agreement with the Columbus Urban League, a non-profit corporation, in support of the Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) for the purpose of assisting small businesses, all for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace property, safety and welfare; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion is hereby authorized to enter into this advanced-pay grant agreement with The Columbus Urban League, a non-profit corporation, for the purpose of assisting the Urban league to serve as the host for the Columbus Region Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC).
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $70,000.00 or so much thereof that may be needed is authorized in Fund 1000 General Fund, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion - Division 4003 Object Class 05 pursuant to the action authorized in SECTION 1 of this Ordinance, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That the funds are hereby deemed appropriated and expenditures authorized to carry out the purposes of this ordinance and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 4. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this ordinance.
SECTION 5. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or 10 days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.