Explanation
This ordinance authorizes the Director of Development to enter into a non-profit service contract with the Columbus Chamber of Commerce in an amount up to $175,000.00 in support of the Urban Business Connection program.
The Columbus Chamber of Commerce (Columbus Chamber) is the largest chamber in the Columbus region and with membership comes access to great opportunities for participating businesses in the Columbus community. The workforce development, government advocacy efforts, and business solutions ensure businesses in the Columbus Region grow and thrive.
In an effort to reach a broader net of the Columbus business community, the Columbus Chamber and Columbus Urban League combined efforts to grant free Chamber memberships to thirty black-owned businesses for the 2021 fiscal year. These businesses have access to a suite of services (including business connections, specialized consultations, research capabilities for targeted expansion, government advocacy, and member pricing at Columbus Chamber events), as well as expanded services in marketing and visibility in the Columbus community. The City of Columbus funds will help expand participation for up to 45 black-owned business and develop key partnerships that foster the stabilization and growth of minority-owned businesses.
Emergency action is requested in order to allow the Chamber of Commerce to expand its reach and continue program services without interruption.
The services included in this contract cannot be provided by existing city employees because these services are beyond the City’s current responsibility and capacity to provide.
Fiscal Impact: Funding is available within the Job Growth subfund.
Title
To authorize the Director of Development to enter into a non-profit service contract with the Columbus Chamber of Commerce in support of the Urban Business Connection program; to allow for reimbursement of expenses beginning March 1, 2022; to authorize an appropriation and expendi...
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