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<br />City of South Bend-Diversity & Inclusion Mentorship-Protégé Program 2022 <br />Goal: The Office of D&I is looking for innovative ways to promote a mentorship program for Small Local Businesses to <br />partner with established Prime contractors. By enhancing business skills and broadening the base of MWBE businesses, <br />we plan to meet the overall goals of this program. <br />A component of the Mentorship- Protégé Program is the implementation of practical workshops to allow prime <br />contractors to network with sub-contractors. A great example of this is our recent “Vendor Opportunity Fair.” In <br />partnership with the Indiana Toll Road Commission (ITR) and South Bend Community School Corporation, the City of <br />South Bend hosted an event to bring together over 120 certified minority vendors with 15 Prime contractors. As a result, <br />numerous mentorship and collaboration opportunities were developed. <br /> <br />Outcomes and Goals of Mentorship: <br />• The Office of Diversity & Inclusion will accurately track participation in the event and create potential <br />matchmaking opportunities with Prime and sub-contractors <br />• Large prime contractors partner with sub-contractors to meet their small business subcontracting goals <br /> <br />Application and Screening Process: <br />• Interview/Pre-screen ten potential sub-contractors that will be committed to the mentoring program. <br />• The Office of Diversity & Inclusion will conduct virtual interviews on Microsoft Teams <br />• The best practices for business development programs are to make sure small businesses have the skill set to do <br />business with City Government <br /> <br />Requirements for Prime Contractors <br />• Employer commitment being able to carry out its responsibilities to assist the sub-contractor <br />• Possess good character and not appear on the federal debarred or suspended contractors <br />• Able to impart value to a protégé firm due to lessons learned and practical experience gained through <br />knowledge of government contracting <br />Requirements for Sub Contractor Participation: <br />• Must be able to identify the type of guidance needed for development <br />• Business continuation in the last 24 months <br />• The Annual business revenue average is starting at $50,000 or more in the past two years. <br />• Company with a minimum of 2 employees <br />• Must possess the skill level, capacity, and workforce to work with Prime contractors <br />• Contract signatures from both Prime and Sub- Contractors solidifying commitment to participating in <br />Mentorship Program