Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCRA-R-15-0019 Cover Memo (2)SEOPW Board of Commissioners Meeting June 11,2015 SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM To: Board Chair Keon Hardemon and Members of the CRA Board Date: May 28, 2015 File: 15-00463 Subject: Resolution Authorizing a Grant to Neighbors and Neighbors Association, Inc. for the Business Incubator and Community Work Training Programs. From: Clarence E, Woods, III eAgdi References: Executive Director Enclosures: Supporting Documentation; Legislation BACKGROUND: The attached Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency ("CRA") authorizes a grant, in an amount not to exceed $150,000, to Neighbors and Neighbors Association, Inc. ("NANA") to underwrite costs associated with the continued operation of the Business Incubator and Development Program ("Program"). This Resolution also accepts a grant in an amount not to exceed $100,000 from Career Source South Florida ("CSSF"), in support of NANA's Program and authorizes the CRA to administer the grant on behalf of CSSF. NANA is a non-profit corporation established in 1995 to assist small businesses throughout Miami -Dade County, and has been retained by Miami -Dade County to provide technical assistance for its Mom and Pop Small Business Grant Program and its Micro Loan Program. In recognition of NANA's success with small businesses and job creation, the CRA has authorized grants to NANA in the past to ensure that specialized technical assistance tailored to the needs of the Redevelopment Area are available to compliment and further the CRA's economic development efforts. Currently, NANA operates at the Business Resource Center, 1490 N.W. 3'd Avenue, Miami, Florida, however, seeks to relocate its operation to the Culmer Center 1600 NW 3rd Avenue, Miami, Florida. NANA now seeks assistance from the CRA to continue the administration of the Program. The Program has served a number of local businesses by enabling access to, among other things, technical assistance, workshops and training, office services, assistance with identifying capital funding sources, and a business mentoring partnership. Additionally, the Program continues to include the Community Workforce Training Program ("CWTP"), which aims to ensure that local residents have necessary skills and certifications that will increase their job readiness. CWTP provides employment screening, placement, and referrals for local residents seeking to obtain gainful employment. CSSF assists employers and job seekers with employment services, labor market information, and provides training for economically disadvantaged adults, youth, dislocated workers, and individuals transitioning to the work force throughout Miami -Dade County. CSSF seeks assistance from NANA to execute its Work Readiness Skills Employment Training Program ("WRSET") for the Employ Miami -Dade Project and is providing the CRA with a grant for the training program. Through NANA, the WRSET will assist job seekers in developing a better understanding of workplace behavior, employment expectations, and work ethics in order to obtain long-term employment. Given that the CRA is charged with facilitating redevelopment efforts throughout the Redevelopment Area, the CRA will administer the grant on behalf of CSSF. JUSTIFICATION: Section 2, Goals 4 and 6, at page 11, of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency Plan ("Plan") lists the "creati[on of] jobs within the community," and "improving the quality of life for residents" as stated redevelopment goals. Section 2, Principle 6, at page 15, of the Plan further lists the promotion of "local cultural events, institutions, and businesses," as a stated redevelopment principle. Principle 6, at page 15 also provides that in order to "address and improve the neighborhood economy and expand economic opportunities of present and future residents and businesses[,] ... [it is necessary to] support and enhance existing businesses and ,.. attract new businesses that provide needed services and economic opportunities ..." FUNDING: $150,000 allocated from SEOPW Tax Increment Fund, entitled "Other Grants and Aids" Account No. 100 50.920101.883000.000 0.00 000. $100,000 allocated from the CSSF grant.