Coversheet

Resolutions - C7 D

COMMISSION MEMORANDUM

TO:	Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM:	Jimmy L. Morales, City Manager
DATE:	February 13, 2019

SUBJECT:	A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE FINANCE AND CITYWIDE PROJECTS COMMITTEE AT ITS JANUARY 25, 2019 MEETING AND APPROVING, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $12,500, FUNDING FOR THE PROSPERA USA TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS SOLUTIONS ACADEMY FOR SMALL BUSINESSES.

RECOMMENDATION

The Administration recommends approval of funding and entering into an agreement.

ANALYSIS

During the December 12, 2018 City Commission meeting the request for $12,500 in funding was referred to the Finance and Citywide Projects Committee (FCWPC) for review.

Prospera is an economic development nonprofit that provides technical and professional business support to local and small Hispanic businesses with a focus on technology and financial literacy.

Technology in business is a vital necessity, critical to the ability to grow and communicate with clients effectively. IT trends can also enhance footprint, but the risk for cyber threats and vandalism has also grown exponentially. To mitigate risks and expand growth, business owners need a plan, and usually the smaller businesses have no reliable IT support, and lack of basic knowledge about applications and trends.

Prospera's Technology Academy proposes to provide specialized hands-on bilingual training that includes culturally relevant information focusing on businesses in North Beach. While open to businesses in Citywide, Prospera will focus on businesses in North Beach given the larger proportion of spanish speaking businesses and given that WeWork located in South Beach is also providing capacity training programs for businesses. The ability to apply these IT trends will provide these minority businesses with tangible assistance that should assist these businesses immediately as well as beyond the duration of the program.

Context: The Technology Academy is a 4-5 week training program that provides business owners with a better understanding of critical issues related to technology and how to apply them and grow their businesses. Participation is free.

Objectives: To guide small businesses through the age of digital transformation, allowing them to leverage technology and increase the efficiency of their business, manage information for customers, reach greater audiences, and make better business decisions.

Value for businesses that complete the curriculum:

· Knowledge of technology trends.

· Knowledge on how to leverage and apply technology to enhance business operations and profitability.

Content:

Session 1. Understanding the Value of Technology.

Session 2. Software and Hardware.

Session 3. Digital Marketing: Social Media and Google Adwords.

Session 4. Cyber security threats

Technical Components and Integration:

· Programs and applications (Software: CRM, POS, etc.)

· Infrastructure and equipment (Hardware)

· Networks

· Servers

· Mobile technology

The proposed budget, of $25,000, and Prospera is requesting $12,500 from the City and will match the City's funding with private funding. The City of Miami has sponsored a similar technology bootcamp for Miami-Based businesses successfully.

On Friday, January 25, 2019, the Finance and Citywide Projects Committee unanimously recommended that the City fund the Prospera request in an amount not to exceed $12,500.

CONCLUSION

The Administration supports the recommendation to fund Prospera in an amount not to exceed $12,500.

KEY INTENDED OUTCOMES SUPPORTED
Improve Alliance With Key Business Sectors, Namely Hospitality, Arts, & International Business With A Focus On Enhanced Culture, Entertainment, & Tourism

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Funding is available from General Fund Contingency.

Legislative Tracking
Economic Development

Sponsor
Commissioner John Elizabeth Aleman & Co-sponsored by Commissioner Samuelian

ATTACHMENTS:
	Description
	Prospera Proposal
	Resolution