Explanation
BACKGROUND:
Columbus is home to an increasingly diverse community. In 2006, in recognition of the need to develop a strategy that captures the talent and skills of this increasing diverse population, the City of Columbus contracted with the Columbus Chamber of Commerce to support the Chamber's minority business development initiative to create job opportunities and increase the wealth in the minority community. It is believed that as minority businesses grow they will offer the minority community additional jobs and career options. Therefore, a vibrant minority business sector will strengthen the minority community and the overall economic well being of greater Columbus.
The Chamber is developing a Diversity Bridge Web portal to further its efforts to assist minority businesses at various stages of the business cycle: micro, early, life style and growth, by providing a link to other Chamber sites that assist business owners and address the many challenges growing businesses face. The Chamber has requested additional City support. City funds will partially fund: 1) the completion of the building of the minority business website and related expenses-training of stakeholders regarding the use of the website, outreach and marketing of the website; 2) assessment of minority business capital needs; 3) creation of one-stop certification process; 4) creation of meaningful networking opportunities; and 5) facilitate enhancement of delivery of services to minority/women owned businesses.
$68,000.00 from the Job Growth Initiatives Fund will be allocated to the Chamber to partially cover costs of this important project.
Contract Compliance #: 31-4152950 (non profit)
Title
To authorize the appropriation of $68,000 to the Development Department within the Jobs Growth Fund; to authorize the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a contract with the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce to partially fund its development of a Diversit...
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