Placement: Consent Agenda
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Approve an Agreement Between the Port St. Lucie City Council and the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce to Support Small Business Development in the City Through the Chamber of Commerce “Small Business Beginnings” Program.
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Submitted By: Elijah Wooten, Business Navigator
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal of a diverse local economy and employment opportunities.
Summary Brief (Agreements/Contracts only)
1. Prepared by: Ella Gilbert, Deputy City Attorney.
2. Parties: City of Port St. Lucie and the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce.
3. Purpose: The “Small Business Beginnings Program” will help small businesses through the start-up process.
4. New/Renewal/Modified: New
5. Duration: The grant period is October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022 and may be renewed by the City Council during the annual budgeting process.
6. Benefits to Port St. Lucie: The Chamber will guide start-up small businesses through the City’s regulatory process.
7. Cost to Port St. Lucie (Annual and Potential): The amount of the grant is $50,000 per year and may be renewed for up to three years for a total of $150,000.
Presentation Information: N/A
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council approve a $50,000 grant to fund the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce “Small Business Beginnings” Program.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and approve a $50,000 grant to fund the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce “Small Business Beginnings” Program.
2. Move that the Council not approve the “Small Business Beginnings” Program and provide staff direction.
Background: The St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce is proposing a partnership program with the City of Port St. Lucie to assist small businesses through the start-up process. The purpose of the program is to help small businesses find the most efficient way of accomplishing their business needs for their start-up and/or growth goals.
Issues/Analysis: The Chamber finds that start-up and small businesses are not fully aware of the regulatory process to get their small business or idea off the ground and registered appropriately. Most business owners are unfamiliar with business tax receipt, licensing, code requirements or even where or what type of business to start in the community.
Financial Information: The $50,000 grant will cover the staffing and program costs for the “Small Business Beginnings” Program. The grant period is October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022. The grant funding may be allocated annually during the City Council’s budgeting process.
Special Consideration: The City Council approved $50,000 in funding to the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce to support small business development during the Summer Retreat.
Location of Project: Port St. Lucie Citywide
Attachments: “Small Business Beginnings” Proposal and the proposed Chamber of Commerce Service Agreement
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: 6957
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Ella M. Gilbert, Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by James D. Stokes, City Attorney.