TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager to execute a Master Agreement with Open Counter Enterprises, Inc., of Santa Cruz, CA, for software subscription licensing and implementation services in an amount not to exceed $70,500 for the first year and, thereafter, in an annual amount not to exceed $40,500 for the subscription fee for year two, with the option of renewing for two additional one-year periods, at the discretion of the City Manager. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to enter into a master agreement with Open Counter Enterprises, Inc. (Open Counter), for a hosted, public facing, web application for business licensing and permitting. Open Counter is an online, easy to use system that allows entrepreneurs to quickly and simply see the zoning requirements, fees, and processing time needed to establish a business or location in the City of Long Beach. The web-based system will be configured using City ordinance criteria and will provide a user-friendly interface to step through an online questionnaire to determine appropriate zones and required fees. By making it easier for entrepreneurs to get started, Open Counter helps cities foster economic development and job creation. The product has been endorsed by the Economic Development and Finance Committee, the Economic Development Commission, as well as the Business Improvement Districts, as a key component to assist with bringing businesses to the City of Long Beach.
In an effort to streamline the process of business registration in the City, a team of staff from the Departments of Economic and Property Development and Technology and Innovation, together with members of the Council of Business Associations in Long Beach, conducted market research into possible products that offered business-friendly capabilities to guide new businesses through the registration and zoning requirements of the City’s ordinances. Key requirements for the product were for it...
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