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Close-out Public Hearing on the CDBG Small Business Entrepreneurial Assistance Project
PURPOSE: The purpose of this public hearing is to review project activities and final budget numbers for the CDBG Small Business Entrepreneurial Assistance project to extend a sewer line on Roberson Street.
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DEPARTMENT: Economic and Community Development
INFORMATION: The Town was awarded a grant in July of 2012 from the North Carolina Department of Commerce to extend approximately 600 feet of sewer line on Roberson Street. The sewer line was needed to ensure availability of a sanitary sewer system for the businesses located along Main Street. Due to a major sewer line failure, these businesses were at risk of being closed down. The extension of this sewer line saved 22 businesses and retained 140 jobs of employees who work in these businesses.
In addition to the job retention benefit of this project, one of the grant requirements was to create a positive entrepreneurial environment for the community. The Town achieved this by hosting a free entrepreneurial workshop called Grow in Carrboro that focused on helping non-profits and social enterprises thrive and excel in the work they do for the community. The seminar served over 33 individuals who learned about issues such as earned income strategies, improved business planning and operational strategies, social enterprise marketing, best practices of peer organizations, key challenges facing our community, and ways organizations can develop durable networks and partnerships.
FISCAL & STAFF IMPACT:
RECOMMENDATION:r Staff recommends the Board hold the public hearing and receive comments.