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data shows 63 firmA primarily in the service industry with 499 employees. Many minority owned <br /> firms are not listed in government or business records due to a lack of formal licensing and <br /> registration. This is sometimes due to distrust or not having proper resident status.Census data <br /> released for 2000 and 2010 does not provide specific information or numbers concerning minority <br /> businesses. <br /> Implications:The relatively small and diminishing local minority and women owned business base <br /> severely limits many positive influences on our community,including economic development,local <br /> hiring,capital investment,neighborhood stabilization,less unemployment,broadening of the tax <br /> base and reduction of poverty and its negative spin-off effects. <br /> Even though many are fledgling at best,local microenterprises exist because they are a proven way <br /> to earn►extra income to supplement household incomes. <br /> Microenterprise helps immigrants and refugees have sustainable income in cases where they lack the <br /> necessary certifications,licenses,language skills,or networks to find professional jobs for which <br /> they,in their own countries,may be qualified. <br /> For many people with lower incomes,microenterprise provides the opportunity for individuals to <br /> develop their talents and skills and use them to improve their financial wellbeing. <br /> Earlier this year the city,began plans for a diversity development program which would in part <br /> promote equal opportunity,diversity and inclusion for minority and women business enterprises; <br /> assist,promote,monitor and enforce MBE/WBE programs;and to encourage participation of <br /> MBE/WBE enterprises in city contracts. This effort is quite significant and very much needed as a <br /> means to help address South Bend's slow economic recovery,joblessness,and the numerous <br /> challenges faced by minority and women owned business enterprises. The following proposal <br /> supports the city's diversity development efforts. Its focus and purpose is minority and women <br /> business development,but it is not intended to exclude other small businesses in St.Joseph County. <br /> Any small business located within the county would be eligible to seek and receive assistance. <br /> Pxonosal <br /> This proposal outlines a Minority and Women Business Development program(MWBDP)in South <br /> Bend,Indiana in support of Ordinance 10081-011City of South Bend Diversity Development <br /> Program.The purpose of this program is to enhance the growth and expansion of minority and <br /> women owned business enterprises in South Bend,Indiana through the promotion and advocacy of <br /> equal opportunity,provision of education and information services,technical assistance,and start-up <br /> and expansion capital through small grant opportunities. The MWBDP will also serve as a resource <br /> for state and regional supplier diversity programs. <br /> Services as outlined in the city's Diversity Development Pmgratn under Ordinance 10081-011 would <br /> be provided by contract.Management,scope of work and services provided would be contracted by <br /> the City with a local entity experienced and knowledgeable about minority and women business <br /> development challenges and assistance programs. The contractor would be responsible for <br /> administering the programs,services and other activities. An annual operating budget would be <br /> 7 <br /> Tbis proposal was compiled and created by Sallie and Associates—sallieassociates@aoLcom <br />