Title
Resolution approving a Memorandum of Understanding with the County of San Mateo defining a partnership and financial relationship for a Business and Entrepreneurship Center in South San Francisco.
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WHEREAS, beginning on March 16, 2020, Shelter in Place health orders began to widely affect all businesses in San Mateo County, as well as throughout the country, lasting for much of 2020 and into 2021; and
WHEREAS, the effects of the Pandemic have created drastic economic outcomes to many businesses, but especially the most vulnerable small businesses such as non-English speaking business owners and those separated by the digital divide; and
WHEREAS, small businesses in San Mateo County have been challenged by a reduction in workforce, a lack of working capital, a difficulty in obtaining COVID relief programs, and an overall need to revamp their business model to survive in a post-COVID economy; and
WHEREAS, at its February 23, 2021 South San Francisco City Council Special Meeting, a study session was held to discuss the implementation of an economic mobility initiative to create a Business Resource and Entrepreneurship Center within the City of South San Francisco to enhance business assistance services and centralize them into both a virtual and brick-and-mortar location near the City’s downtown; and
WHEREAS, at its March 9, 2021 County of San Mateo Board of Supervisors Meeting, an appropriation of $200,000 was approved for the implementation of a business assistance center to serve the northern part of San Mateo County; and
WHEREAS, the funding contribution from San Mateo County would support the City of San Francisco’s effort to create the Business Resource and Entrepreneurship Center through a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) for the initial phases of the project; and
WHEREAS, the components of the MOU include a one year term, a fifty-fifty split of all hard costs associated with the Center, the City entering into a contract with Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center (“Renaissance”) as the preferred partner to offer initial small business assistance services, with the County funding the first phase of the contract with Renaissance expected to be in the range of $75,000.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of South San Francisco hereby approves the MOU in substantially the form attached, allowing the City and County to partner in regional and local efforts to help small businesses.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager, or his designee, is authorized to execute the MOU, and to make any revisions, amendments, or modifications, deemed necessary to carry out the intent of this resolution which do not materially alter or increase the City's obligations thereunder, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney.
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Exhibit A - draft MOU with San Mateo County