DEPARTMENT: Economic Development
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Rene Dominguez
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S) IMPACTED: City-wide
SUBJECT: Funding Agreement for LiftFund
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes a $100,000 Funding Agreement with LiftFund to undergo an extensive and comprehensive rebrand initiative for Caf? Commerce, which serves as a one-stop shop where entrepreneurs, startups and small business owners (new or established) can get personal support, information, resources, market data and guidance to start and grow their business. This rebrand initiative will create a new identity for the resource center which will have a broader reach to entrepreneurs and small business owners who are unaware of the services provided.
BACKGROUND:
In 2012, a taskforce of business owners and advocacy organizations were convened to brainstorm methods and strategies for promoting small and new business growth in San Antonio. Business participants represented a wide array of industries, including retail, food and dining, engineering, technology, public relations, trade services, and private investors. Business advocacy organizations included various chambers of commerce, the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), LiftFund, the Westside Development Corporation (WDC), and San Antonio for Growth on the Eastside (SAGE).
The taskforce identified the need to establish a culture of entrepreneurship throughout the San Antonio community and increase coaching and mentoring opportunities for future and existing small business owners. The value of existing resources was also highlighted during the taskforce discussions, as well as the need for increased marketing of these resources. The development of Caf? Commerce was recommended as a mechanism by which to implement these types of programs. The taskforce further recommended the outsourcing of operations and management of Caf? Commerce to promote an organic and innovation-focused approach to service delivery. Thus, the City sought to identify a partn...
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