THE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC AND SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTION
This item supports the Board’s goal to “Attract and retain all types of business, especially high-wage industries that offer employee benefits, through partnerships with the Alliance, chambers of commerce, colleges and universities, CareerSource, and any other available avenues.”
On June 28, 2011, the Broward County Board of County Commissioners authorized the County Administrator to enter into an Agreement with the City of Miramar to establish a BRC in the City of Miramar in the event of a declared disaster. The purpose of the BRC was to provide disaster relief information, access to financial assistance programs and referral assistance to companies in Broward County, including information and referrals to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA). The Agreement expired on October 31, 2015. The Office of Economic and Small Business Development has worked with the City of Miramar staff to identify a location for a BRC in Miramar, Florida (see Exhibit 2). In times of declared disaster, this effort supports Broward businesses through financial assistance programs and other support services. The BRC also will provide assistance with local permitting, licensing, and building code issues.
While FEMA Disaster Assistance Centers may also provide limited assistance to businesses after a declared disaster, the BRC will be able to serve as a more comprehensive source of business support services throughout the duration of the disaster and recovery periods. The City of Miramar has agreed to designate a hardened facility for the BRC. The BRC will serve Broward County businesses. |