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Anything short of that means we have wasted a lot of time and energy. So it is going to be <br /> extremely important to us to make sure that we can be part of the way that we do business going <br /> forward. <br /> Ms. White asked, Is there any other information you would like to share, Christina, about different <br /> programs you are doing with regard to diversity? I think a lot of those different opportunities to <br /> discuss really impact our work as well. <br /> Ms. Brooks stated, Yes, there are a couple of things that we have worked on collaboratively with <br /> the Department of Engagement and Economic Empowerment and DCI. There are two (2) <br /> programs in particular that are grant funded programs that really are going to centered on <br /> developing minority and women construction businesses. We are working with NNN as part of <br /> that project. There is also funding through the Community Winds Grant, now, where we will be <br /> able to train minority and women business owners to give them the skills to redevelop housing and <br /> things like that, right here in the community. That is part of how we are developing small <br /> businesses here in the area. <br /> Mr. Alexander asked, Is there discussion about developing a co-op for that purpose? <br /> Ms. Brooks replied, There was some initial discussion but we have a lot of people making <br /> suggestions right now and we just need to make sure we have the capacity to do everything. If <br /> there is an opportunity for us to roll a co-op model into something we already have on the table, I <br /> would be really interested to get more input from you on that. There are a few other things going <br /> on right now and that might be a possibility. <br /> Ms. Fowler stated, One (1) of the questions I have is about what we are doing to help the current <br /> small businesses. I understand the new stuff and ideas but how are we helping support the current <br /> small businesses? <br /> Ms. Brooks replied, One (1)of the ways we are doing that is by creating a partnership with Project <br /> Impact and Michiana Score. We're housing an incubator right across the street from the Charles <br /> Martin Youth Center. So it is in the heart of the West Side community. So people with existing <br /> businesses or if they even have a thought about creating a business, or if their business is <br /> struggling, they now have access to mentorship through Michiana Score as well as the business <br /> development side that Project Impact brings. They are also partnering with the North Central <br /> Indiana Business Center though IUSB. Spark at St. Mary's College is also a part of that. Fundera <br /> is another partnership that we have established and they have a full financial sweep of support, <br /> they will provide, in addition to the financial mentorship they receive from Michiana Score. <br /> Ms. Fowler stated, I'm aware of that but one (1) of the things that I would like to know is how we <br /> are going to get that information out and connect those people. I'm aware that exists but when does <br /> the roll out happen?Who rolls it out?How do we market that to make sure that people know about <br /> it and we help them get going? Some of those things could already exist and I don't know how <br /> well of a job they have done in letting people know about that. <br /> Councilmember Sharon L. McBride left the meeting at 6:42 p.m. <br /> 7 <br />