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prepared collaboratively with the City Controller and the Connector for approval by the Common <br /> Council. The city will act as budget administrator.An Advisory Board as proposed by the city <br /> consisting of Common Council,Mayoral and County Council appointees would serve in an advisory <br /> and ambassadorial capacity.The board would also assist m the development and monitoring of an <br /> Minority Business Enterprise and Women Business Enterprise(MBE/WBE) utilization plan. <br /> A draft start-up budget for the first year is included in this proposal and proposes that the MWM3P <br /> office is accessible and centrally located near downtown South Bend. <br /> The program's managers and advisors will recognize the importance of not duplicating existing <br /> services.The MWBDP will be designed to proactively provide important and valuable information <br /> and assistance that does not duplicate services already provided by others.Through collaboration <br /> and partnerships with area economic and business development programs and educational <br /> institutions,the MWBDP will serve as a clearing house that will provide helpful,comprehensive and <br /> stream-lined information to existing and new minority and women business owners. As appropriate, <br /> business start-ups and fledgling business owners will be referred to local,state and federal programs, <br /> agencies and organizations who can help them get started,grow and snake tough decisions about <br /> their future. In addition,the MWBDP will actively recruit and assist in the creation of minority and <br /> women owned companies of size,scale and capacity who can become involved in area innovation <br /> initiatives;such as those at Ignition and Innovation Parks. <br /> In support of the City's Comprehensive City Plan defined in Bill 10081-11,the MWBDP will <br /> support and promote entrepreneurial.efforts linked to emerging markets,high technology,and <br /> research and development This proposal augments the Iegislative intent of Biff 7811-87 and <br /> provides structure for 10081-11by actively pursuing opportunities to strengthen MBE/WBE <br /> business development beyond,but inclusive of city contracts. <br /> The primary goal of the MWBDP will be to assist the city in fulfilling the intent of and reaching its <br /> diversity development goals and assist minority and women business entrepreneurs by. <br /> • Managing the city's Diversity Development Program <br /> • Serving as a minority and women business development information and referral source <br /> ® Assisting MBEs/WBEs with business plan creation <br /> ® Creating partnerships for strategic business consulting and mentoring services <br /> • Making capital access referrals <br /> • Facilitating procurement matchmaking <br /> • Referring bonding and certification services assistance <br /> • Showcasing MBE/WBE services and products through an online minority business <br /> directory <br /> The MWBDP will partner with and support die efforts of community,neighborhood,faith-based, <br /> and business organizations to stimulate and promote successful neighborhood-based businesses. <br /> All minority and women owned businesses in St Joseph County will be encouraged to complete <br /> applications to become licensed,and made aware of the benefits of becoming certified as a minority <br /> business entity. By receiving their business license,they will not only allow their business to be <br /> counted and recognized as a legitimate business concern,they will also be recognized as valuable <br /> 8 <br /> This proposal was compiled and created by Sallie and Associates—salfieassociams&ol.com <br />