DEPARTMENT: Economic Development
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Rene Dominguez
COUNCIL DISTRICT IMPACTED: City-Wide
SUBJECT: Caf? Commerce Update and Board Appointments
SUMMARY:
An update on the services offered and outcomes achieved through Caf? Commerce, as well as the appointment of Melissa Aguillon, President and CEO of Aguillon & Associates LLC, to the Caf? Commerce Advisory Board.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
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, such as the San Antonio Greater Chamber and San Antonio Hispanic Chamber 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 partner to further develop, implement and manage Caf? Commerce.
In November 2013, City Council approved a professional services agreement with ACCION Texas, now LiftFund, for the operation and management of Caf? Commerce, which includes both a ...
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