Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Michael P. Callagy, County Manager
Peggy Jensen, Deputy County Manager
Subject: Technology Tools and Training Grants for Small Businesses in San Mateo County.
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution:
A) Authorizing and directing the County Manager, or designee(s), to contribute a total amount not to exceed $350,000 in seed funding to a Technology Tools and Training Grant Program for small businesses in the County; and
B) Authorizing and directing the County Manager, or designee(s), to negotiate and enter into an agreement with Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center to administer and disburse the Technology Tools and Training Grant Program, with total administrative fees not to exceed $50,000, and granting of a waiver of the request for proposal process for acquisition of services necessary to administer and disburse the Technology Tools and Training Grant Program pursuant to Section 2.83.050(e) of the San Mateo County Ordinance Code.
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BACKGROUND:
At its March 9, 2021 meeting, the Board of Supervisors accepted the three-phased County Strategic Plan for Workforce Recovery in the Post-Pandemic Economy (Plan). The first phase of the Plan, which is to be implemented immediately, includes three measures intended to prevent the permanent closure of small businesses in the County and to encourage emerging entrepreneurs. One of the measures included in the first phase of the plan is the Technology Tools and Training Grant Program.
Data gathered from the County's targeted small business assistance program administered by the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center ("REC") reveals a need for technology-based training among small businesses. Specifically, the data include the following facts:
* 64% of the 611 small business owners that applied for a small business assistance grant through REC noted an immediate need for computer technology; a...
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