Explanation
BACKGROUND:
This ordinance authorizes the Director of Development to to waive the request for proposal requirements of Columbus City Code Chapter 329 and execute a contract with Venture Suite LLC, in an amount up to $400,000.00, to support the development of a safe space for underrepresented founders and freelancers to share open office space.
Venture Suite is dedicated to ensuring all citizens have equal access to computer science and information technology programs, skills, and resources that enhance learning and prepare them for college and careers. VS’s approach is an innovative method of broad-based neighborhood revitalization by building strong neighborhoods and reskilling our communities for sustainable careers and good-paying jobs. The communities which are the focus are at significant economic and social mobility risk. However, by taking an intentional, systemic approach to inclusive growth and innovation, cities like Columbus and neighborhoods like King-Lincoln-Bronzeville can lead the way forward as national models of urban inclusive economic development.
The vision of VS is to catalyze urban communities by deploying a professional workspace through the shared office business model to bring the community together. Co-working for minorities will give these underserved free-lancers and entrepreneurs a safe, productive space to innovate and collaborate in places recognized as innovation deserts, as well as open doors to technology careers for individuals from often overlooked communities.
The overarching goal of this project is to develop a safe space for underrepresented founders and freelancers to share open office space. This space builds upon a thriving community eager to be innovative and launch new careers and business endeavors. City of Columbus residents, particularly the underserved, will be provided with a bevy of workshops and classes to drive jobs in IT and create new enterprises, moving the community from an innovation desert...
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