Title:
Update from the Small Business Consortium (Commissioner Leake)
Summary
ACTION:
Receive an update from the Small Business Consortium
Commission Contact: Commissioner Vilma D. Leake
Co-Sponsors: Commissioners Fuller and Jerrell
Presentation: Yes
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
The Small Business Consortium is a civic group that began in 2010 as an initiative of Commissioner Vilma D. Leake, County Commission District 2. The purpose was to provide a forum to strengthen relationships among small business owners, the city, county, and state as it related to business opportunities for small businesses. The goal was to implement a program that would educate, equip, empower, and provide solutions for small business owners in the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County by:
• Educating small businesses on the certifications and contractual opportunities with city, county, and state governments.
• Equipping small businesses with business and leadership development opportunities.
• Empowering small businesses to develop collaborations and partnerships.
Since its inception, the consortium has grown from 4 participants to 100+ participants at its bi-monthly meetings and has more than 1,000 people in its database.
PROCUREMENT BACKGROUND:
N/A
POLICY IMPACT:
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A