DEPARTMENT: Economic Development
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Rene Dominguez
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Café Commerce Board Appointments
SUMMARY:
The Economic Development Department seeks the City Council Economic and Human Development Committee’s support for the establishment of a five-member advisory board to provide guidance regarding the vision and execution of Café Commerce. The advisory board will also provide feedback on building community involvement, delivering relevant programming and services, and strengthening the impact of Café Commerce on the community.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On November 7, 2013, City Council awarded a professional services agreement to LiftFund for the management and operation of Café Commerce, which provides entrepreneurship education and mentoring, while also serving as a resource and referral clearinghouse or “one-stop” for business information. Section 3.3 of the agreement requires the establishment of a five-member advisory board to provide guidance regarding the strategic vision for Café Commerce. The agreement also requires the support of the City Council Economic and Human Development Committee of appointments to this advisory board.
ISSUE:
A list of potential advisory board members was developed in collaboration between LiftFund and the Economic Development Department. This list was presented to Mayor Ivy Taylor for feedback and recommendations. The individuals to be recommended during the Council Committee meeting will form the Café Commerce advisory board and each appointment will serve a two year term. The advisory board will provide recommendations to LiftFund concerning operation and management of Café Commerce.
ALTERNATIVES:
If the Café Commerce advisory board is not established, the City and LiftFund will not have a formal structure to receive valuable feedback and guidance on Café Commerce programming and how to most strategically enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with the establishment of the Café Commerce advisory board.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Council Economic and Human Development Committee support the establishment of the Café Commerce advisory board and the appointment of the individuals to be named during the committee meeting.