Explanation
BACKGROUND:
This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a grant agreement with Elevate Northland in an amount up to $500,000.00 in support of the Northland Business Center. Funding will be advanced to the agency on a predetermined schedule.
Elevate Northland is a non-for-profit Community Development Corporation in Columbus that brings together groups working on business development and building community bonds, with a mission to uplift people of diverse backgrounds and to create opportunities. The Elevate Northland Business Center will address the needs of the growing Northland area by providing education opportunities such as business basics, business English, and access to food for local entrepreneurs.
This grant will support entrepreneurs in the Northland area. Entrepreneurship is an important pathway for Northland residents to build generational wealth, create high-income jobs, and overcome the barriers that many living in the area face. Access to resources can be a struggle, which is where the Business Center bridges the gap. The Center will focus on supporting the outreach of social services agencies, providing professional services and small business startup resources that aid in capacity building. The Center will serve as both a business incubator and as a hub for nonprofits. Outreach and engagement will be marketed in French, Nepali, Somali, English, and Spanish to reach target constituencies throughout Northland.
The funding will support the Business Center as a physical space, supporting rent and utility costs, maintenance and repair costs, security, insurance, and other needs. The funding may also be used to support the personnel and services associated with the Center’s operations, including the business manager, kitchen supervisor, welcome navigator, and other support staff. Services such as marketing, legal, and accounting supports may also be supported by this grant.
Emergency action is re...
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