Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to enter into contract with the Columbus Urban League for the purpose of assisting the Urban League to serve as the host for the Columbus Region Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC). 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). The funding cycle is July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2019. Funding for the program is $500,000 which includes a $100,000 host match. The Department of Development and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion have agreed to provide assistance in securing the $100,000 match by contributing a total of $25,000 collectively.
The Minority Business Assistance Center serves the needs of Ohio’s small, minority, and socially economically disadvantaged 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 minority business community, support job creation and further economic growth in Columbus as well as the state of Ohio. The Columbus MBAC is committed to establishing a network of industry partners to ensure that MBAC clients receive the assistance needed to sustain and grow.
Emergency action is requested to allow the Columbus Urban League to begin providing services for the Minority Business Assistance Center as soon as possible.
FISCAL IMPACT: This legislation authorizes the expenditure of $25,000 from the 2017 General Fund Budget.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Development to enter into contract with the Columbus Urban League for the purpose of assisting the Columbus Urban League to serve...
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