Responses to Mayor Hughson provided by Kelsee Jordan Lee, Economic & Business Development Manager:
Will ARP funds be used for all 5 years of the contract? There are currently ARP funds to cover the cost of the initial two-year term plus one extension. An alternative funding source would need to be identified if the program is extended past this timeframe program.
How much in ARP funding did we assign for this project? Staff initially requested $500,000, and Council assigned $400,000 for the Small Business Counseling program.
How will they provide services in San Marcos? Like where? BCL will offer digital and in person options for technical assistance. They have committed to leasing a space in San Marcos within 10 days of contract signing.
Under Service Delivery there is "BCL will conduct a needs assessment to develop targeted strategies and resource for small businesses within the City of San Marcos."
and Task 1 states "Provide a gap analysis of existing resources for small businesses or entrepreneurs in the City of San Marcos." Will they look at ALL small businesses? Yes, BCL will evaluate what resources are currently available and where gaps are to service small businesses in San Marcos across different industries and business life cycles. The resulting Small Business Counseling Program will deliver services to all interested, eligible small businesses within the City of San Marcos.
How will they find them? BCL will develop a marketing plan to promote the program and will work with existing business support programs and organizations to promote the Small Business Counseling Program. City staff will amplify these marketing efforts using city avenues of outreach.
How does a business obtain access to these services? Interested businesses will submit an application to City staff providing basic business information and the subjects or assistance they would like to receive. City staff will work with BCL to schedule the one-to-one consultations with the businesses. Businesses will have the option for digital or in person delivery of services in English and Spanish. BCL has also developed a limited English proficiency plan that allows for service delivery in other languages.
Must they apply? Yes, there will be an intake process for businesses to submit their information and desired consultation subject matters. Eligibility requirements are that they be located within the City of San Marcos city limits, are for-profit, have fewer than 26 full time employees, and are an existing business (having filed with the County Clerk’s Office or the Secretary of State as appropriate).
Why was there no interview with one of those who provided a proposal? The selection committee interviewed the top two scoring vendor candidates prior to making a final selection. It was determined after scoring the written proposals that the added possible 25 points from an interview would not be sufficient for the lowest scoring vendor to score or rank higher than the top two vendors.
And why no explanation in the packet? The evaluation scores and ranking information is provided in the ARF including the maximum point allocation for each criteria.
Who at the City will oversee this project? Kelsee Jordan Lee, the City’s Economic and Business Development Manager, will oversee the program with the support of Main Street staff.