DEPARTMENT: Economic Development
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Alejandra Lopez
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Briefing and possible action on the charge of the Small Business Subcommittee of the Economic and Workforce Development Committee.
SUMMARY:
This item includes a discussion among the Economic and Workforce Committee members on the charge of the newly-appointed Small Business Subcommittee.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
When Mayor Ron Nirenberg reinstated the various Council Committees on May 14, 2020, the Economic and Workforce Development Committee (EWDC) was charged with prioritizing education, job training and workforce development opportunities for residents during the COVID-19 recovery. In addition, he created a Small Business Subcommittee to build upon the work of the EWDC and the Economic Transition Team. This Subcommittee will prioritize equitable strategies that provide businesses with the resources needed to protect employees, consumers and visitors as they reopen.
The Subcommittee is chaired by Council Member Shirley Gonzales, who also served on the COVID-19 Community Action Business and Employment Working Group. The Working Group discussed various challenges faced by local small businesses, along with potential opportunities for support. The Working Group's expectation was for their recommendations to be carried forward for further consideration and potential implementation.
ISSUE:
Small businesses represent most of the businesses in San Antonio and the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted and intensified the disparate challenges they face when compared to larger firms. These challenges include accessing funds made available by federal relief programs and resources to safely reopen and pivot their business models. Intentional focus by the Small Business Subcommittee will foster deliberation of policies that promote the recovery and resilience of this critical sector of our local economy.
ALTERNATIVES:
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