TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement, and any necessary amendments, with the Long Beach Community College District, to provide economic development counseling and educational services through its Small Business Development Center, in an annual amount not to exceed $110,000 for an initial term from July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019, with two one-year extensions, at the discretion of the City Manager, and subject to the continued availability of funds. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On June 23, 2015, the City Council authorized the execution of an agreement with the Long Beach Community College District, familiarly known as Long Beach City College (LBCC), to provide business counseling services through its regional Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the period from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2018, with two one-year extensions. The SBDC program is an eligible Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) activity and CDBG funding in the amount of $110,000 was utilized to support the SBDC. The SBDC program is the most extensive economic development project of the Small Business Administration (SBA). SBDC Business Advisors offer a wealth of real-world business experience, provide one-on-one counseling, and conduct training sessions, workshops and seminars. In addition, as a result of this continuing CDBG investment, the SBDC will focus services on small businesses, concentrating on low- and moderate-income areas. Pursuant to the agreement, SBDC provides the following services:
· Business advice and assistance
· Workshops
· Business matchmaking and procurement events
· Access to capital programs
· Business networking and peer mentoring programs
· Marketing, outreach, and business engagement
· Supporting student entrepreneurs
SBDC is required to submit invoices for reimbursement of expenses according to a schedule determined by the City. SBDC must also provide a performance report of its activities including j...
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