PRESENTER: Presenter
Jeff Jewell, Economic and Community Development Director
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SUBJECT: Title
Presentation, public hearing, discussion, and possible action approving an expenditure, of up to $250,000, to the SPARK Small Business Center to assist with the operation of an economic development program, pursuant to Section 505.102 of the Texas Local Government Code.
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DEPARTMENT: Economic and Community Development
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
SPARK Small Business Center (SPARK) supports and develops the entrepreneurial and small business environment by focusing on and providing counseling sessions, expanding access to capital, contracting and procurement opportunity, and exporting initiatives. In 2011, SPARK joined with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) of University of Texas at San Antonio’s Institute for Economic Development (UTSA) to establish the Small Business Development satellite center in New Braunfels. The satellite center is staffed by a Certified Business Advisor and a Program Specialist and offers integrated services to meet the needs of experienced small business owners as well as individuals interested in starting a business in the New Braunfels area.
As a part of the required quarterly reporting process, SPARK representatives will provide quarterly written updates and two in-person presentations to the NBEDC Board on the number of business plans created, new business starts, number of jobs created, number of jobs retained, and the amount of financing closed. Additional reporting metrics include updates on events, training, marketing, or any other supplemental work furthering the support of entrepreneurs and small businesses in the area.
If approved, this item will go to City Council for final approval in November 2025.
ISSUE:
The SPARK Small Business Center contract expires September 30, 2025 and a new one-year contract is being proposed for consideration.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
☒Economic Mobility ☐Enhanced Connectivity ☐Community Identity
☐Organizational Excellence ☐Community Well-Being ☐N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
The funding request of $250,000 provides the amount estimated to operate the center for one year. This amount includes utilities, rent, marketing, remaining operating expenses, and contingency allowances to operate the center at the West San Antonio Street location.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the one-year contract with SPARK Small Business Center.