Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Sandy-Michael McDonald
Department: Economic and Small Business Development
Information
Requested Action
title
A. MOTION TO AUTHORIZE Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD) to co-sponsor the Alan B. Levan NSU Broward Center of Innovation (Levan Center) 100 StartUp Project for a total of $100,000, sponsoring 20 entrepreneurs; and authorize the County Administrator to execute documents and related agreements associated with the 100 StartUp Project co-sponsorship, subject to review for legal sufficiency by the Office of the County Attorney, and to take all other administrative and budgetary actions associated therewith.
ACTION: (T-10:44 AM) Approved.
VOTE: 8-0. Mayor Rich voted in the affirmative telephonically. Commissioner Ryan was not present.
B. MOTION TO APPROVE Broward County’s membership in the Alan B. Levan NSU Broward Center of Innovation as a Corporate Partner with the Starship Pass at a cost of $36,000 per year, subject to annual budget appropriation; and authorize the County Administrator, to execute related agreements, subject to review for legal sufficiency by the Office of the County Attorney, and to take all other administrative and budgetary actions associated therewith.
ACTION: (T-10:44 AM) Approved.
VOTE: 8-0. Mayor Rich voted in the affirmative telephonically. Commissioner Ryan was not present.
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Why Action is Necessary
A. As per the County’s Advantage Marketing Program, Co-sponsorships with a value greater than $5,000 require Board approval.
B. County’s membership with the Levan Center as a Corporate Partner requires Board approval.
What Action Accomplishes
A. Authorizes OESBD to co-sponsor the Levan Center 100 StartUp Project annually.
B. Authorizes Broward County to become a Corporate Partner with the Alan B. Levan NSU Broward Center of Innovation.
Goal Related Icon(s)
☒County Commission
☐Go Green
☐MAP Broward
Previous Action Taken
None.
Summary Explanation/Background
THE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC AND SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (OESBD) RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTIONS.
This item supports the Board’s vision of “a vibrant economy with a diverse, skilled workforce, in a County offering unique advantages that attract all types of businesses to create equitable, countywide prosperity”, through the value of “ensuring economic opportunities for all people and businesses in Broward.”
The Levan Center opened doors in July 2021 and its goal is to develop, nurture and attract the talent and innovation that will propel the South Florida Region (Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties) into the foremost hub in the country's global tech and innovation ecosystem. The Levan Center is the gateway and connector between entrepreneurs, leading companies, students, and potential investors in the region. It offers incubator and accelerator programs for early-stage and young-startup companies; mentoring opportunities; a technology-focused makerspace; a showcase and pitch area; technology and innovation skills classes, and more. Additional programming includes access to a purpose-built cybersecurity training range, industry certifications, specialized workshops, seminars and short courses, industry leading speakers, boot camps, pitch sessions and hackathons complemented by a thoughtfully designed co-working space for people to collaboratively develop their skills.
As a Kauffman FastTrac® affiliate, OESBD offers annually the NewVenture™ ten-week business plan development program to help innovative entrepreneurs refine their business concept, identify the components of a strong business plan, and access the appropriate resources for launch. At the end of the course, completed business plans are evaluated and the top three compete in a pitch competition for seed money grants. This year OESBD is proposing to offer all graduates of the program the 100 StartUp Project scholarship from the Levan Center. This will integrate wrap around support services and other benefits (Exhibit 1) for graduates of the New Venture Program through a partnership with the Levan Center.
In order to utilize the facilities and resources at the Levan Center to enhance County programs and services through the implementation of innovative practices and establish satellite offices to offer technical and customer assistance to residents and businesses, the County is proposing to become a Corporate Partner with the Starship Pass (Exhibit 2). This membership is designed for established corporations seeking to immerse their innovation teams in a dynamic and collaborative environment, the Starship Pass offers a wealth of premium benefits. Along with a dedicated office space, this tier includes complimentary rental of the Conference Room, VIP access to annual events, and the display of your digital logo outside your office space. As a Starship member, Broward County becomes a vital resource and partner, actively contributing to the growth and vibrancy of our entrepreneurial community.
This item, if approved, will authorize co-sponsorship for the StartUp program and membership as a Corporate Partner, and will authorize the County Administrator, to execute co-sponsorship agreements (subject to review for legal sufficiency by the Office of the County Attorney), and to take necessary budgetary and administrative actions to facilitate these programs.
Source of Additional Information
Sandy-Michael McDonald, Director, Office of Economic and Small Business Development, 954-357-5615.
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
Motion A: 100 StartUp Project will be funded using OESBD’s operational budget in the amount of $100,000.
Motion B: County Administration will process budgetary request for $36,000 annually.