HomeMy WebLinkAbout5C1 Budget Request (2026 Business Assistance Suite) - SignedSouth Bend
Redevelopment Commission
215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Room 301, South Bend, Indiana
Redevelopment Commission Agenda Item
DATE : 1/22/2026
FROM: Bianca Jones, Interim Officer of Diversity,
Compliance and Inclusion
Caleb Bauer, Exec. Dir. of Community Investment
SUBJECT: Small Business Assistance Suite Funding
Funding Source* (circle) River West; River East; South Side; Douglas Road; West Washington; RDC General; Riv. East Res.
* 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.
PURPOSE OF REQUEST: $100,000 funds to support Small Business Assistance Suite Program
SPECIFICS: The Office of Diversity and Inclusion’s Small Business Assistance Suite is a cohort-based business-
readiness program that equips local entrepreneurs with skills and connects them with resources to expand
participation in City procurement and contracting. In 2025, the program served 77 small businesses and were
able to connect them with financing and certification opportunities. This requested funding for 2026 would
support a minimum of 40 businesses.
APPROVED Not Approved
SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
_________________________President
ATTEST: __________________Secretary
Date: _ January 22, 2026___________________