HomeMy WebLinkAbout5B1 Budget Request (Digital Storefront Program)
Redevelopment Commission Agenda Item
DATE: June 8, 2023
FROM: Caleb Bauer, DCI Executive Director
SUBJECT: Digital Storefront Program
Funding Source* (circle one) River West; River East; South Side; Douglas Road; West Washington; RDC General
*Funds are subject to the City Controller's determination of availability; if funds are unavailable, as solely determined by the City Controller,
then the authorization of the expenditure of such funds shall be void and of no effect.
Specific request: $300,000 from Redevelopment-Controlled Pokagon Fund
Purpose of Request: Disbursement of funds for City of South Bend to match READI award for 3-year
operations of a Digital Storefront Program by the nonprofit arm of South Bend CodeWorks.
The Digital Storefront Program, which was originally piloted in 2021, will provide technology assistance
grants to small businesses to help them create or enhance their digital presence with the goal of
increasing revenues and allowing business owners to drive growth with new technology tools and
systems.
During the 2021 pilot, 160 small businesses applied and 34 were selected, with 31 of the participants
being minority- or women-owned businesses.
The $300,000 request will be matched by an additional $300,000 awarded through the READI program.
It will allow for 60 small businesses to be assisted through the program by 2025.
INTERNAL USE ONLY: Project ID: ;
Total Amount – New Project Budget Appropriation $_______________;
Total Amount – Existing Project Budget Change (increase or decrease) $_______________;
Funding Limits: Engineering: $_____________________; Other Prof Serv Amt $_______________;
Acquisition of Land/Bldg (circle one) Amt: $___________; Street Const Amt $________________;
Building Imp Amt $_________; Sewers Amt $_________; Other (specify) Amt $ ________________
_________________________Pres/V-Pres
ATTEST: __________________Secretary
Date: ____________________
APPROVED Not Approved
SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION