Label
ARPA Funds - ECDI
Economic Development
Sandy Spang (x1614)
Title
Authorizing the appropriation and expenditure of $500,000 from the Local Fiscal Recovery Fund for Creation of a Food Systems, Education and Incubation Hub; authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI) for said purpose; and declaring an emergency.
Body
SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
The City of Toledo is the recipient of $180.9 million through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to be used to address the public health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Toledo Recovery Plan framework (authorized by Ordinance 530-21) includes $1 million for investment in healthy food initiatives. This ordinance allows for the appropriation and expenditure of $500,000 for reimbursement of construction and construction related expenses to create a Food Systems, Education and Incubation Hub.
This ARPA funded activity will be performed by subrecipient Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI) ECDI is the number one Small Business Administration microlender in the country. Headquartered in Columbus, and working across the state of Ohio, ECDI works to fund, coach, and counsel small businesses with a focus on women, BIPOC, and new American entrepreneurs. ECDI has developed an organizational partnership with two additional non-profit organizations, Center for Innovative food Technology (CIFT) and Opportunity Kitchen, to create a hub for healthy food education, healthy food access, and entrepreneurial support in Toledo.
The Food Systems, Education and Incubation Hub will address multiple needs in our community. Food entrepreneurship increased exponentially during the Covid pandemic, and there is a significant need for technical training, business counseling, and access to licensed commercial kitchen space. The hub will provide entrepreneurs access to both the planned CIFT Smart Kitchen, (to be equipped through receipt of a $1.1 mill...
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