Title
Status report and discussion regarding the Pflugerville Cares small business grant program and Pflugerville Pfund small business emergency grant program and small business financial assistance.
Summary
This item has been included on the agenda to allow for an update regarding the Pflugerville Cares small business grant program and Pflugerville Pfund small business emergency grant program. Amy Madison, Pflugerville Community Development Corporation Executive Director, Rosa Rios Valdez, BCL of Texas and Shontel Mays, President & CEO of the Pflugerville Chamber of Commerce are scheduled to present.
On June 23, 2020, Council approved an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with Travis County to receive a maximum of $3,531,055 in CARES Act Funding on a reimbursement basis for qualifying expenses as approved by Travis County. Under the ILA, Cities are allowed to administer their own small business grant program provided the City coordinates with the County to ensure businesses do not receive funding from both government programs.
On July 14, 2020, Council approved the general allocation of CRF funds to be received through ILA with the County which included $1M for a small business grant program. On July 28, 2020, the City Council approved a contract with BCL in the amount of $80,000 for the development and administration of a small business grant program which will issue $920,000 in small business grants. BCL is a nonprofit that specializes in the administration and management of small business grant and loan programs. BCL is currently under contract with Travis County to administer their THRIVE small business grant program. With the approval of the contract, the City Council required a status update at the August 11, 2020 regular meeting.
The City must develop, promote, administer and seek reimbursement for its small business program no later than October 31,2020. Given BCL’s experience and relationship with the County, and considering the significant time constraints, staff recommends approval of the attached contract with BCL to develop and administer they City’s small business grant program to maximize the City’s ability to utilize CRF funds for the benefit of our local small businesses who have been negatively impacted by COVID-19. PCDC has recently conducted a survey of local small businesses to gauge the business needs in our community and will continue to assist and provide direction to BCL. PCDC will also assist with promotion of the program.
Prior City Council Action
June 23, 2020, Council approved a Travis County Interlocal Agreement for Administration of CRF Funding Under the CARES Act.
July 14, 2020, Council approved the general allocation of CRF funding to be provided through the ILA with Travis County which included $1M for a small business grant program.
July 28, 2020, Council approved a contract with BCL of Texas in the amount of $80,000 for administration of a small business grant program
Deadline for City Council Action
No action to be taken.
Supporting documents attached:
Pflugerville Cares Three Step Process Information Sheet
Presentation slides
Recommended Action
Discuss only.