Department: Purchasing
Department Head/Elected Official: DeWight Dopslauf
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Contract - Amendment
Project ID (if applicable): 220392
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): Geocko, Inc. DBA FORWARD
MWDBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWDBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWDBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request by the Office of the Purchasing Agent that the County Judge execute an amendment to an agreement with Geocko, Inc. DBA FORWARD to replace and update dollar amounts on a certain Exhibit for small business technical assistance and administer accelerator grants for the Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity (ARPA) for the period of June 6, 2023 - June 6, 2026, at no additional cost to the county (220392).
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Background and Discussion:
The Harris County ARPA Steering Committee allocated ARPA federal funding for the
Harris Hub program. Harris Hub focuses on funding community-based organizations with experience and expertise in providing hands-on, tailored technical assistance to small businesses with an emphasis on supporting businesses and entrepreneurs that face multiple barriers.
The DEEO seeks to fund two Technical Assistance Providers to provide customized and business specific technical assistance services to small businesses, and one Grant Administrator to manage dedicated grant funding and work in partnership with the Technical Assistance Providers to develop systems and protocols to administer accelerator grants to eligible Harris Hub small businesses.
Expected Impact:
The budget request will come from ARPA funds and no increase will occur to DEEO's general fund budget. The program aims to create a stronger small business community in Harris County by stabilizing and growing businesses after the immediate economic fallout from COVID-19.
Alternative Options:
Not...
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