REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on a Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Santa Clara and the Silicon Valley Central Chamber of Commerce for a Partnership to Support Small Businesses in Santa Clara
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Promote and Enhance Economic, Housing and Transportation Development.
BACKGROUND
In July 2021, the City executed a Settlement Agreement with the Silicon Valley Central Chamber of Commerce ("SVC Chamber") regarding Santa Clara Convention Center and the former Convention-Visitor Bureau. The settlement agreement provided for payments to the City for a total amount of $330,000. On September 9, 2021, Council recognized the settlement funds and approved its appropriation to the City Manager's Office to be used to improve outreach and assistance to small businesses in Santa Clara.
DISCUSSION
With resolution of outstanding issues, there is new opportunity for the City and the SVC Chamber to move forward in partnership. The City and the SVC Chamber have a mutual interest in assisting Santa Clara small businesses to effectively recover and thrive post COVID-19. As the SVC Chamber serves as a resource, advocate, and connector for small businesses, and the City strives to provide continued resources and support to local businesses, both agencies working together in cooperation and collaboration can have a greater collective impact on the small business community.
Under the proposed Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU"), the City and the SVC Chamber will confirm a commitment to establish a joint working relationship for the purposes of providing businesses outreach, support, and resources.
As outlined in the MOU, the City and SVC Chamber will commit to several goals, including:
* Promoting business educational workshops and seminars on topics of importance to the business community (e.g. how to be certified as a minority-owned, women-owned, or veteran-owned business);
* Engaging with businesses and conducting regular visits to Santa Cla...
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