* Warning: This is an unofficial, introductory copy of the bill.
The official copy considered by the City Council is the first reader copy.
Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmembers Porter and Conway
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
Investigative Hearing - COVID-19 and Small Business Re-Openings
For the purpose of inviting representatives from the Baltimore Development Corporation to brief the City Council on their efforts to support small businesses and economic development in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
body
Recitals
COVID-19 has had a significant impact on Baltimore’s economy, especially the small business community. The Baltimore Development Corporation (“BDC”) is the City’s economic development agency. BDC has led the City’s response and recovery effort with respect to the economic crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
BDC has strived to deliver an innovative and equitable response to help local business through the pandemic and has emphasized supporting resident-, women- and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC)-owned businesses. BDC’s efforts have been recognized both locally and nationally.
To date, BDC has awarded over 1,000 small business assistance grants totaling approximately $13 million. Sixty-three percent of all small business assistance grants were awarded to BIPOC-owned businesses; 57% of all small business assistance grants were awarded to women-owned businesses; and 66% of all small business assistance grants were award to Baltimore City resident-owned businesses.
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, BDC and...
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