Explanation
BACKGROOUND: The Diversity Bridge Initiative is a program launched by the Columbus Chamber to cultivate the growth of minority and women-owned businesses in Columbus. Diversity Bridge is a direct outgrowth of a comprehensive strategic planning process that involved more than 100 diverse stakeholders including minority business owners, nonprofit-minority and women-owned businesses, business resource providers, local, state and federal government and the private sector.
The Chamber in concert with its partners, serves as the centralized point of contact to assure successful implementation of the programs and activities of The Diversity Bridge Initiative. It is believed, that with the Chamber serving in this role, it will encourage collaboration among the organizations/agencies that service minority businesses, thereby eliminating unnecessary redundancy and enhance service.
Through the Diversity Bridge web portal, the Chamber desires to provide more jobs and build wealth in the W/MBE community by creating a more efficient and effective service delivery network; and build capacity within the minority business community.
This legislation authorizes the expenditure of $50,000 from the General Fund and authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to enter into an agreement with the Columbus Chamber for administrative costs associated with the implementation of the Diversity Bridge Initiative.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funds for this contract are available within the Development Department, General Fund. A transfer of $50,000.00 will be necessary between divisions.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Development to enter into an agreement with the Columbus Chamber for administrative costs associated with the implementation of the Diversity Bridge Initiative; to authorize and direct the City Auditor to transfer $50,000.00 within the General Fund; to authorize the expenditure of $50,000.00 from the General Fund; and to decla...
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