Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout5.6 Report on the Business Recovery Playbook and Approval of the Small Business Navigator Program and Outdoor Operations Grant Programr DUBLIN CALIFORNIA STAFF REPORT CITY COUNCIL DATE: May 7, 2024 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers FROM: Linda Smith, City Manager Agenda Item 5.6 SU B.ECT : Report on the Business Recovery Playbook and Approval of the Small Business Navigator Program and Outdoor Operations Grant Program Prepared by: Felicia Escover, Special Projects Manager EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The City Council will receive a report on the Business Recovery Playbook, a post -pandemic strategic action plan to support Dublin businesses and Economic Development's transition from recovery efforts to resiliency efforts. Additionally, the City Council will consider approving guidelines for the Small Business Navigator Program and Outdoor Operations Grant Program that were introduced as part of the Playbook. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Receive the report on the Business Recovery Playbook and adopt the Resolution Approving the Guidelines for the Small Business Navigator Program and Outdoor Operations Grant Program. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with the receipt of this report. Furthermore, there is no fiscal impact with the adoption of the program guidelines as the budget for these programs was included in the ARPA budget allocation approved by the City Council. DESCRIPTION: On May 3, 2022, the City Council received a presentation on the Business Recovery Playbook, a post -pandemic strategic action plan to support Dublin businesses. The Playbook was prepared to put structure around supporting the recovery efforts of the Dublin business community in the wake of COVID-19. The Playbook helped staff develop and implement more than 25 initiatives within 12 months. The Playbook focused on three phases: Assessment, Build, and Implementation. In the Assessment phase, the project team discerned local business needs and future challenges through a Business Page 1 of 5 1 Needs Assessment survey, a Boots -on -the -Ground walking tour, and Business Roundtables with different industry sectors. The information collected in this phase was analyzed to inform the next phases of the Playbook. During the Build phase, the team worked on increasing communication efforts and developing relevant business support grant programs in direct response to feedback from businesses. This phase resulted in initiatives including: • Ongoing business roundtables, surveys, and visitations to stay connected to the business community. • Developing a "Taste the World in Dublin" passport campaign to drive business to local food and beverage establishments. • Launching a first -of -its -kind mobile text alert program to increase the timeliness of communication to small businesses and serve as a business hotline. • Supporting small business participation in job fairs. • Launching a loyalty rewards program to increase foot traffic and repeat business for local brick -and -mortar businesses. • Subsidizing a holiday advertising campaign to promote small businesses to more than 34,000 households. • Ongoing development and distribution of Business Recovery -oriented newsletters. • Creating a small business navigator program to provide technical assistance to small businesses within a specialized field (i.e., strategic marketing, revenue and business development, graphic design, human resources, architecture design, and more). • Grant programs include Commercial Rent Relief, Emergency Microloans, Recovery Boost Grants, and Outdoor Operations Grants Lastly, the Implementation phase focused on reviewing current processes, policies, and programs that may need to be revisited such as outdoor dining, parking requirements for businesses, and providing educational opportunities through local and regional partnerships. This phase included initiatives such as: • Amending/streamlining certain City processes/policies to address business needs. • Updating the Business License Application to include DEI questions to better understand the makeup of our business owners. • Considering policies to extend the permitting program for outdoor operations. • Revising policies to support flexible parking standards for outdoor dining. • Leveraging local and regional partnerships to provide educational opportunities for businesses. • Partnering with the East Bay Small Business Development Center to help businesses reevaluate their plans. • Partnering with East Bay Economic Development Alliance and others for additional grant opportunities. • Partnering with Startup Tri-Valley and Innovation Tri-Valley to support entrepreneurship. The Playbook played a crucial role in the Dublin business community's recovery from the adverse Page 2 of 5 2 effects of COVID-19, and it established the groundwork for future success. The Playbook's various initiatives directly served 409 businesses, of which 93% remained open while only 13 storefront businesses closed. It further helped to strengthen the resiliency of the business community and bolstered the programs available to support small businesses. During the Playbook implementation, Staff provided progress updates to the Economic Development Committee on August 16, 2022, February 15, 2023, June 20, 2023, and December 19, 2023. At the December 19, 2023 meeting, Staff shared that as the COVID-19 recovery efforts wind down, there is an interest in wrapping up specific recovery initiatives and incorporating others into the daily operations of the Economic Development Department. This integration aims to bolster ongoing business resilience programs and efforts. The proposed programs and initiatives that will transition to Business Resilience Operations include: Business Communication: • Regular Business Roundtables and Touchpoints • Boots on the Ground Walking Tours • Incorporation of Recovery Dublin Business Brief resources into the standing Dublin Business Brief electronic newsletter • Continuation of the mobile text service as a business hotline/help desk Business Marketing Support: • Shop Local efforts • Annual Holiday Gift Guide Business Support: • Small Business Navigator Program, a technical assistance program • Promotion of business resources, education, and events • Streamlining of City processes/policies • Outdoor dining support Partnerships: • Continuation of building upon and leveraging local and regional partnerships Historically, the City Council adopts program guidelines for grant initiatives, like the Commercial Facade Grant Improvement Program, before the programs become operational. However, due to the need to be responsive to the business community and quickly implement initiatives outlined in the Recovery Playbook, both the Outdoor Operations Grant Program and the Small Business Navigator Program were promptly established and put into operation. With the recommendation from Staff that these programs become ongoing programs, the program guidelines are now being presented to the City Council for formal approval. Small Business Navigator Program The Small Business Navigator Program provides comprehensive technical support to small Page 3 of 5 3 businesses in Dublin, completely free of charge to the small business owner. This initiative connects business owners with highly experienced consultants who specialize in addressing specific project -based needs, thereby helping businesses overcome challenges and foster growth. The program's scope encompasses various areas of business support, including Business Planning & Development, Marketing & Advertising, Architecture & Space Design, Technology Consulting, Graphic Design, and more. Originating from feedback gathered from the local business community during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Navigator Program was developed by City staff who sought to engage with businesses across the city during the pandemic's disruption. Through more than 450 business visits, 50 survey responses, and numerous business roundtables, a common theme emerged: business owners required assistance with specific projects such as logo design, employee matters, and marketing - areas typically beyond the scope of City staff support. As there was no existing program capable of addressing the breadth of concerns raised by the business community, the Navigator Program was established to fill this void. By connecting businesses with qualified consultants at no cost, the program enabled the City to provide tailored support to local businesses, addressing their unique needs on an individual basis. Implemented in April 2023, the Navigator Program has received more than 30 requests for assistance to date. Eligible businesses have received support with a wide array of projects, including website design, marketing plans, financial analysis, logo and marketing material designs, architectural drawings, and technology support. The proposed guidelines for the Small Business Navigator Program outline eligibility criteria, program parameters, and the assistance process. The program aims to support small, locally owned businesses with a brick -and -mortar presence and fewer than 50 full-time employees. Home occupation businesses may also be eligible if they are seeking expansion beyond the home office. Eligible businesses may utilize the Navigator Program for up to three projects, with a total funding cap of $7,500. Assistance is provided on a first -come, first -served basis, subject to available funding. However, priority access to program consultants may be granted to businesses experiencing hardship, first-time users of the program, or microbusinesses. Outdoor Operations Grant Program The Outdoor Operations Grant Program, initiated alongside City Council measures permitting temporary outdoor seating for dining establishments during the pandemic, began with the enactment of Ordinance No. 08-20. This ordinance granted the City Manager authority to waive specific Zoning Ordinance requirements, facilitating the establishment of a COVID-19 Relief Temporary Use Permit (TUP) program. This program, aimed at supporting businesses affected by pandemic restrictions, was in effect from June 16, 2020, until its expiration on June 16, 2021. Following this, on August 17, 2021, the City Council passed Ordinance No. 07-21, which amended zoning ordinances to relax development standards for permanent outdoor seating and extended the allowance for temporary outdoor seating until September 30, 2022. In spring 2022, additional outreach to restaurant owners reaffirmed their support for long-term temporary outdoor seating. Consequently, on August 16, 2022, Ordinance No. 09-22 was enacted, Page 4 of 5 4 prolonging temporary outdoor seating regulations until September 2023. Despite the temporary use permit's expiration, continued interest from the business community persists due to consumer demand for al fresco dining experiences and the economic benefits they bring. Given this ongoing interest and the anticipated economic advantages, Staff recommends maintaining the Grant Program to assist businesses in establishing or enhancing permanent outdoor dining spaces. Initially, the Grant Program covered expenses related to both temporary and permanent outdoor seating materials, including City application fees, furniture, physical improvements, safety barricades, and weather protection. However, with the expiration of temporary use permits for outdoor seating, Staff suggests limiting eligibility to businesses with approved Planning permits for permanent outdoor seating. The proposed guidelines aim to offer eligible businesses assistance with outdoor dining furnishings, design fees, Staff time and materials, and other related expenses on a first -come, first - serve basis, subject to available funding. To qualify, businesses must obtain an approved Planning permit before applying for a grant and may receive up to $50,000 in reimbursement. STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE: Strategy 1: Downtown Dublin and Economic Development Objective A: Support local businesses and new business attraction (ensure revenue -generating industries) NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH: The City Council Agenda was posted. ATTACHMENTS: 1) Resolution Approving the Guidelines for the Small Business Navigator Program and Outdoor Operations Grant Program 2) Exhibit A to the Resolution - Small Business Navigator Program Guidelines 3) Exhibit B to the Resolution - Outdoor Operations Grant Program Guidelines 4) Business Recovery Playbook Page 5 of 5 5 Attachment I RESOLUTION NO. XX — 24 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN APPROVING THE GUIDELINES FOR THE SMALL BUSINESS NAVIGATOR PROGRAM AND OUTDOOR OPERATIONS GRANT PROGRAM WHEREAS, the City Council has identified economic development as a priority in the City of Dublin's Strategic Plan; and WHEREAS, on May 3, 2022, the City Council was presented with the Business Recovery Playbook ("Playbook"), a post -pandemic strategic action plan to support Dublin businesses; and WHEREAS, the Playbook developed, launched, and implemented more than 25 initiatives within a short time frame of 12 months, focusing on Assessment, Build, and Implementation phases to support the recovery efforts of the Dublin business community; and WHEREAS, among the initiatives outlined in the Playbook are the Small Business Navigator Program and the Outdoor Operations Grant Program, both of which have demonstrated efficacy in supporting small businesses and enhancing economic resilience in Dublin; and WHEREAS, the Small Business Navigator Program provides comprehensive technical support to small businesses, connecting them with experienced consultants to address specific project -based needs such as business planning, marketing, architecture, and technology consulting, among others; and WHEREAS, the Outdoor Operations Grant Program was initiated alongside measures permitting temporary outdoor seating for dining establishments during the pandemic, providing financial assistance for businesses to establish outdoor operations and dining spaces, thereby supporting business operations and economic recovery and resiliency efforts; and WHEREAS, Staff desires to have the City Council approve the guidelines for implementation, providing continued support to businesses in Dublin. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Dublin approves the guidelines for the Small Business Navigator Program and Outdoor Operations Grant Program, as outlined in Exhibit A and Exhibit B respectively. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager is authorized to approve amendments to the guidelines, attached hereto as Exhibit A and Exhibit B, and make any necessary, non - substantive changes to carry out the intent of this Resolution. {Signatures on the following page} Reso. No. XX-24, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/2024 Page 1 of 2 6 PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 7th day of May 2024, by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk Reso. No. XX-24, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/2024 Page 2 of 2 7 Attachment 2 Exhibit A to the Resolution DUBLIN I. PROGRAM OVERVIEW Small Business N avigator Program Guidelines The Dublin Small Business Navigator Program ("Program") offers small business owners access to technical resources and support from qualified service providers in various areas, including but not limited to business planning, marketing, architecture, technology consulting, graphic design, and financial guidance, and more. The Program provides eligible business owners with technical assistance for up to three projects or a maximum of $7,500, whichever is reached first. The overarching objective is to equip business owners with resources to address specific needs and ensure long-term sustainability in a strategic and individualized manner. II. PROGRAM COMPONENTS A. Technical Assistance The Program provides small business owners with access to free technical resources and support via qualified service providers in all areas of business needs including but not limited to: a. Business Planning & Development b. Marketing & Advertising c. Architecture & Space Design d. Technology Consulting e. Graphic Design g. Financial Guidance This Program provides project -based assistance with a specific scope and timeframe. It is not intended to provide ongoing support such as paying for Google Ads or maintaining a website or equipment such as computer cables, cash registers, etc. B. Parameters Requests will be reviewed on a first -come, first -served basis and will be accepted continuously until Program funding is exhausted. The Program will be available to eligible businesses based on consultant capacity, with priority given to specific businesses as outlined in the "priority criteria" section. There is a maximum limit of three uses, with a total cap of $7,500 across all projects. The City may consider granting additional uses per business matter on a case -by -case basis. C. Priority Criteria Program requests are typically accepted on a first -come basis. However, businesses may be granted priority access to Program consultants if they meet any of the following conditions. a. Demonstrated hardship b. First-time user of the Program c. Microbusiness (has 25 or fewer employees) III. ELIGIBILITY A. Eligible Applicants 8 The Program will accept requests on a first -come, first -served basis while funds are available. The Program is open to brick -and -mortar businesses and home occupation businesses that are actively looking to transition to a brick -and -mortar location, provided they meet the following criteria: Small Businesses • Must be physically located in the City of Dublin • Must possess an active City of Dublin Business License • Must be in good standing with the City • Must not be a corporately owned chain/franchise store • Must have less than 50 full-time employees Home Occupation Businesses • Must be a home occupation business operating in Dublin • Must possess an active City of Dublin Business License • Must be in good standing with the City • Must not be a corporately owned chain/franchise store • Must have less than 50 full-time employees • Must be requesting assistance related to transitioning from a home occupation to a physical location in Dublin B. Eligible Types of Proiects All projects must be one-time endeavors with a specific scope and time frame as outlined in an approved task order. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to: • Business plan development or update • Financial or market analysis • Logo creation • Marketing material design • Website development • Site plan creation Additional projects that align with the Program's objectives will be considered and reviewed on a case -by -case basis by the City Manager or their designee. The Program does not provide funds for ongoing projects or the purchase of hardware or other types of equipment. IV. Program ProcessSteps A. General Process 1. The business owner submits a request for assistance. 2. Economic Development Staff review the submission for completeness and eligibility. 3. A meeting is scheduled between the business owner and Staff to discuss needs and program guidelines, and to determine project eligibility. 4. If the business is deemed eligible, Staff will match the business owner with a consultant and send a referral to the consultant. 5. The consultant follows up with the business owner. 6. The consultant and business owner collaborate to address the business need specified in the original request within their specified number of sessions. 7. Staff works with the consultant to develop and execute a task order that outlines the project scope, not -to -exceed amount, timeline, etc. 8. Technical assistance commences upon execution of the task order. 9. The consultant and business owner work on the project outlined in the task order. 9 10. Technical assistance concludes upon project completion or the expiration date of the task order, whichever comes first. 11. Evaluations and reports are provided upon request. 12. Invoices are processed. V. FUNDING Funding for this Program is appropriated by the Dublin City Council as part of its budget process. There is no guarantee of the amount of funds that will be appropriated each year. Funds for the Program are available on a first -come, first -served basis. If funds are exhausted at the time of application submittal, Staff will retain the application. If additional funds become available, Staff will contact applicants in the order applications were received. The City of Dublin reserves the right to cancel or modify this Program at any time prior to project approval, without notice. Continuation of the Program is subject to sufficient funding as appropriated by the Dublin City Council. VI. REQ U I REM EN T S OF BU SI N ESSES A. Program Terms and Conditions Upon submitting an application for assistance, businesses agree to the following: • I possess an active City of Dublin business license for this business. • My business is in good standing with the City of Dublin and I do not have any open code enforcement, building or fire cases related to the business. • I acknowledge that some of the information submitted through this application is a public record and may be subject to disclosure under the California Public Records Act. • I understand that the City of Dublin may determine in its sole discretion whether information submitted through this application is subject to disclosure under the California Public Records Act or through another legal process. • I agree to be responsive to Staff and the assigned consultant and acknowledge that the City may, at its discretion, withdraw my application if I am not timely in my responses. • I understand that I am opting to participate in this Program on my own accord and assume all risks associated. • I acknowledge that the City is not liable for the outcomes of the third -party arrangement and outcomes. • I hereby certify that all of the information submitted in this application is true and correct and is subject to audit by the City of Dublin. B. Applicants are required to adhere to the following steps: • Identify the need for technical assistance. • Complete the assistance request form accurately. • Agree to the Program's terms and conditions. • Provide required documents, information, and permissions to the consultant. • Participate in a discovery meeting with Staff. • Demonstrate responsiveness to the assigned consultant. • Fulfill requests made by the consultant promptly. • Complete a post -consultation survey as part of the process. Staff reserves the right to cancel or modify task orders as deemed necessary, or if businesses do not meet Program requirements. I, have read and received a copy of these guidelines. Printed Name 10 Date Signature 11 Attachment 3 Exhibit B to the Resolution DUBLIN I. PROGRAM OVERVIEW Outdoor Operations Grant Program Guidelines The Outdoor Operations Grant Program ("Program") aims to assist local eating and drinking establishments and retail establishments in the City of Dublin looking to establish or enhance outdoor seating and operations. The Program seeks to reimburse a variety of eligible expenses related to permanent outdoor operations incurred by the business. The Program offers a grant of up to $50,000 for businesses with approved Planning permits for outdoor operation improvements that are permanent in nature. Additionally, the Program may waive permit fees which include Staff time associated with processing a permit related to outdoor operations. The Program will accept applications on a first -come, first -served basis while funds are available. This Program is available to eligible business owners within City limits. The long-term objective is to promote outdoor operations as an avenue to support business traffic and long-term health. II. PROGRAM COMPONENTS A. Outdoor Operation Grant This grant provides for reimbursement of up to Fifty Thousand dollars ($50,000) for permanent outdoor operation installation or improvements with no match requirement. Projects must be completed within 12 months of grant approval or Building Permit issuance. Grant proceeds are to be used for labor and materials directly related to the outdoor operation installation or improvements. Tools may not be purchased with grant funds, but tool rental is allowable. All improvements completed through the Program are considered "public work" as that term is used in Section 1720 of the California Labor Code. In accordance with Labor Code section 1720 et seq., prevailing wages shall be paid for all facade improvements. Use of volunteer labor is not allowed. All estimates and payments for construction and installation of outdoor operation installations and improvements shall include prevailing wages, and shall otherwise comply with the provisions of Sections 1773.8, 1775, 1776, 1777.5, 1777.6 and 1813 of the California Labor Code and all other applicable laws and regulations with respect to prevailing wages. Participants in the Program are responsible for ensuring that the improvements are in compliance with the Prevailing Wage Law. Disbursement of grant proceeds to approved applicants will be in a reimbursement payment issued after the City deems the project complete, and upon the submission of invoices and proof of payment, and subject to approval of those invoices and proofs of payment by Staff. Construction shall be completed within 120 days after the City issued Notice to Proceed. If the project extends beyond the scheduled completion date, prior Staff approval is required. Applications will be reviewed on a case -by -case basis as Program funding allows. a. Fee Exemption Applicants for this Program are exempt from planning and building permit fees by the City Manager, who is authorized to waive City fees associated with this Program. This fee exemption does not apply to fees mandated by the State of California including, but not limited to, the Strong 12 Motion Instrument program fee and the California Green Building fees. The fee exemption will be deducted from the balance of the grant. III. ELIGIBILITY A. Eligible Applicants Business owners in commercially zoned property locations are eligible to apply for assistance. Eligible establishments: a. Must be physically located in the City of Dublin b. Must apply for a Site Development Review Waiver (SDRW) or Site Development Review (SDR) for outdoor seating/operations c. Must possess a valid City of Dublin Business License d. Must be in good standing with the City e. Must be an eating or drinking establishment (i.e., restaurant, bakery, bar, brewery, cafe, coffee/tea, etc.) f. Must Not be a corporately owned chain/franchise store g. Must Not be a home -based business or hotel B. Eligible Types of Improvements All improvements shall conform to City Building Codes, Zoning Ordinance, and applicable Design Guidelines. Eligible improvements include, but are not limited to: • Construction of outdoor dining or gathering spaces • Furniture • Shade sails, umbrellas, and other weather protection • Signage and non -affixed structures • Lights, heaters, safety barricades, etc. • Physical improvements to install a patio, deck, shade structure, wheelchair -accessible ramp, etc. • Dublin San Ramon Services District sewer capacity fees (considered on a case -by -case basis) • Cost of architecture/design services, etc. (limit of up to $5,000) Additional improvements that are deemed to be consistent with the intent of the Program will be reviewed and approved/disapproved on a case -by -case basis. IV. Grant Process A. Community Development Review. Applicants will meet with representatives from Planning to review the permit process and answer any questions the applicant may have. At that time, the applicant should determine if they need to complete a Site Development Review application or Site Development Review Waiver. If a business owner intends to apply for a grant, Staff will set up a project account to charge Staff time to. i. Depending on the scope and complexity of the project, applicants may also have to connect with representatives from Building, Fire, and/or Public Works and the Dublin San Ramon Services District to understand the entitlement process and associated fees. B. Planning Application Submittal. The applicant is responsible for submitting a complete planning application and project plans prepared by a licensed professional through the Planning Division. C. Apply for Grant Funds. The applicant shall submit a completed grant application detailing all exterior improvements and an itemized estimate of the total project cost. Be as specific as 13 possible. The project list may contain improvements beyond what would be funded by the grant. All proposed project elements must be approved by the Community Development Director or their designee prior to being accepted into the Program. D. Review Process. All grant applications will be reviewed by Staff and then brought before the City Council Economic Development Committee to select grant awardee. E. Grant Determination and Grant Funds Reserved. Upon selection of a grant awardee, an agreement will be signed between the applicant and City, and the funds will be reserved. F. Building Permit Approval (as applicable). If a Building Permit is required, the applicant is responsible for submitting plans that meet all Code requirements through the Building Division. G. Complete Work. After receiving all required approvals and permits the applicant shall complete the improvements within twelve (12) months from building permit issuance or for non -building permit projects, from the agreement execution date. The applicant shall be responsible for contacting Staff to request an extension if necessary; an extension is not guaranteed. H. Submit invoices. receipts. and proof of payment. Disbursement of grant proceeds to approved applicants will be in a reimbursement payment issued after City deems the project complete. All reimbursement requests must include proof of payment and other supporting documentation, as deemed necessary by the City (i.e. invoices, cancelled checks, etc.), sufficient to demonstrate to the City's satisfaction that all improvement costs have been paid. Grant funds must be used within one year of approval or funds will be forfeited. V. FUNDING Funding for this Program is appropriated by the Dublin City Council as part of its budget process. There is no guarantee of the amount of funds that will be appropriated each year. Funds for the Program are available on a first -come, first -served basis. If funds are exhausted at the time of application submittal, Staff will retain the application. If additional funds become available, Staff will contact applicants in the order applications were received. The City of Dublin reserves the right to cancel or modify this Program at any time prior to grant approval, without notice. Continuation of the Program is subject to sufficient funding as appropriated by the Dublin City Council. VI. IMPLEMENTATION WORK All improvements shall conform to the City of Dublin Building Codes, Zoning Ordinance, and applicable Design Guidelines. Proposed facade remodels are required to comply with Chapter 8.104 of the Site Development Review Chapter of the Zoning Ordinance. Project improvements commenced prior to the City's issuance of a Notice to Proceed are not eligible for this Program. Staff will be available to work with approved applicants to assist in the coordination of the project and may carry out periodic inspections. I, have read and received a copy of these guidelines. Printed Name Date Signature 14 Attachment 4 DUBLIN CALIFORNIA CITY OF DUBLIN BUSINESS RECOVERY PLAYBOOK POST -PANDEMIC STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN The disruption that COVID-19 has brought to the business community has been unprecedented and challenging. Business recovery efforts continue to be underway through the development and execution of the programs and initiatives outlined in this evergreen document. The City of Dublin continues to support the business community through the execution of the Business Recovery Playbook to ensure both the survival and economic recovery of our small businesses. Complete Ongoing In Progress Business Survey V Distribute a survey to businesses to collect information regarding how businesses are doing (revenue/ traffic -wise); understanding their challenges; increased/decreased employment; present and future concerns and needs, etc. Use this opportunity to collect Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) information from business owners. Boots on the Ground (aka Walking Tour) V/ The Office of Economic Development Team will walk areas of the community to have direct contact with businesses, ensuring that all industry sectors are accounted for. Business Roundtables V Hold business roundtables with the various industry sectors (i.e., restaurants, retail, salon, fitness, etc.) to understand their challenges and concerns. .r PHASE 2: BUILD Post -Survey Roundtables 0 Hold post -survey Business Roundtables to allow for sharing of ideas, news, best practices, etc. 00 Check in with business community to gauge the frequency of surveys and/or roundtables. Networking/Marketing Opportunities 0 Consider more opportunity for person -to -person connections: job fairs, meet `n greet, business visitation and spotlight events (i.e., Taste the World passport campaign). 4i Loyalty rewards program encouraging community engagement; opportunities for business spotlights, wide range of participation, and positive economic impact. V Holiday Gift Guide — A holiday advertising campaign subsidized by the City of Dublin focused on promoting small businesses and distributed to 34,000 households in Dublin and Pleasanton. Communication ;. : Continue the Business Recovery and regular Dublin Business Brief eNewsletters distribution. V Launch a Mobile Text Communication Programfor small businesses as another form of communication between the City and business owners. Business Support Grant Programs ;) Depending on the business survey responses, develop grant programs that address the highest needs/ challenges, such as: i. Staffing: grant that provides dollars for sign -on bonuses or similar incentive for hiring and/or staff retention. ii. grant that provides dollars to help implement and/or improve business technology (POS system, CRM, etc.). iii. Marketing/Social Media: grant that assists business owners with marketing and social media tools to promote their services. iv. Business Navigator: grant that would provide technical assistance to small businesses within a specialized field (i.e., financial guidance, strategic marketing, revenue and business development). .r PHASE 3: IMPLEMENTATION City Processes/Policies ;% Pending feedback from business community, consider amending and/or streamlining certain City processes and/or policies to feed business needs (i.e., making temporary outdoor space permanent, alleviating common hurdles for permit applications, etc.). DEI Initiatives and Business License Form/Data V Updating the Business License Application to include optional questions surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Long -Term Temporary — Temporary Use Permit (LTT TUP) V LTT TUP ends on September 30, 2023. Consider policies to extend the program or more permanent policies. Outdoor Dining Support CI Consider revising policies that support flexible or less restrictive parking standards for outdoor dining. 0 Work with Dublin San Ramon Services District on their fees as it relates to outdoor dining and restaurants creating new spaces. Education & Resources C: Webinars, Tutorials and Speakers — Leverage local and regional partnerships (i.e., Tri-Valley Career Center, Chabot -Las Positas Community College, Alameda County Workforce Development Board, East Bay Economic Development Alliance, East Bay Small Business Development Center, Tri-Valley cities, etc.) to coordinate and provide educational opportunities geared towards current trends: • staffing challenges • funding opportunities • supply chain challenges • marketing and social media support • business development • taxes ifi Develop an online library of on -demand training courses for small business owners on various technical topics and interpersonal focused areas (leadership, communication, etc.). Partnerships 0 Business Plans — Partnering with East Bay Small Business Development Center to help businesses reevaluate their business plans post -pandemic. ;:: Grant Programs — Partnering with East Bay Economic Development Alliance and others on additional business grant opportunities. 04) Entrepreneurism — Partnering with Startup Tri-Valley and Innovation Tri-Valley to support the Tri-Valley an entrepreneurship ecosystem. Last updated February 27, 2023