Title
Small Business Community Platform - Request to Amend Contract 153515 with HUUB, LLC (Ordinance S-51036)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to extend Contract 153515 with HUUB, LLC (formerly CO+HOOTS LLC) (Contractor), to continue PHXbizConnect, a technology-driven Small Business Community Platform, to support small businesses. There is no impact to the General Fund. Funding will not exceed $110,000 and is available through the City's allocation of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding received from the federal government and is under the City's Small Business Workforce Program category. Further request to authorize the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item.
Report
Summary
In May 2020, City Council allocated $100,000 in federal Coronavirus Relief Funds for a program to assist Phoenix small businesses with pandemic recovery efforts. On Nov. 4, 2020, City Council authorized a six-month contract with this Contractor to initiate PHXbizConnect, which was launched in March 2021. PHXbizConnect is a social media platform where business owners connect, ask questions, share successes and find solutions to business-related issues. The platform is available in both English and Spanish, streamlines support for small businesses in one central, virtual location, and helps boost the resilience of Phoenix small businesses. Businesses do not pay to participate in PHXbizConnect. Subsequently, City Council has authorized three one-year contract extensions that continued the program and added a free technical assistance consulting program to provide one-on-one consulting from business advisors.
The platform is an effective tool for reaching and supporting micro businesses and under-represented communities. As of May 2024, more than 1,100 Phoenix business owners are registered PHXbizConnect members, many of whom operate restaurants and retail shops or offer professional services. Eighty-three of the members have fewer than 10 employees, 53 percent identify as woman-owned and 50 percent identify as people of color.
Procurement Information
Contractor was selected through the alternative competition process based on its experience creating a similar program for the City of Mesa.
Contract Term
If approved, the proposed extension would begin on July 1, 2024 with a term of six months.
Financial Impact
Funding to extend the contract for six months will not exceed $110,000. If this extension is approved, the aggregate value of this contract will not exceed $1,050,500. There is no impact to the General Fund. Funding is available through the City's allocation of ARPA funds in the Small Business Workforce Program category.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
At the May 5, 2020 City Council Policy meeting, City Council allocated ARPA funding to create a tool that would connect small businesses to resources during the COVID pandemic. On Nov. 4, 2020, City Council authorized this contract. City Council authorized subsequent contract extensions on July 1, 2021, May 25, 2022, and April 5, 2023.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager John Chan and the Community and Economic Development Department.