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<br /> <br />Acting Chairperson Zisla commented on the development that was occurring at Midtown <br />Village. <br />VI. Business Items <br />A. COVID-19 Response: Business Assistance Program <br />Gozola stated the EDC has been recalled from its summer break to provide <br />recommendations to staff and Council regarding the establishment of a local small <br />business emergency assistance program to aid businesses impacted by the COVID -19 <br />pandemic. This direction is needed as staff anticipates that at least a portion of the <br />City’s recent CARES Act funding will be allocated to helping our businesses weather <br />this storm. He commented further on the proposed business assistance program, the <br />programs being offered by the County for Round 1 and Round 2, and requested <br />feedback from the Commission on how to proceed. It was noted the City would be <br />working with Open to Business on this business grant program. <br />Discussion included: <br /> An example of the application was reviewed with the EDC. <br /> The administrative costs for dispensing with this program was reviewed. <br /> The way in which grant programs can overlap was described. <br /> The partnership between the City and Open to Business was discussed. <br /> The Commission wanted to be assured that the grant funding got to the businesses <br />that were most in need. <br /> The categories for eligibility were discussed, along with the criteria that would be <br />considered for grants. The Commission supported the City allowing for businesses <br />to have up to 40 employees. <br /> The Commission encouraged staff to advertise the program well to local business <br />owners. <br /> The Commission and staff commented on the types of expenses that would be <br />covered by the grants. <br /> The Commission supported the City moving forward with a COVID-19 Business <br />Assistance Program, along with a partnership with Open to Business to administer <br />the program. <br /> The Commission recommended the grants range from $1,500 to $10,000. <br /> The process that would be followed for the review and flow of the grants was <br />reviewed with the Commission. <br /> The Commission thanked staff for providing a great framework for this grant <br />program. <br /> <br /> <br />