Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
Resolution Recognizing May as Small Business Month and Establishing a Citywide “Small Business of the Year” Recognition Program.
End
From: Christine Cordon, City Manager
Requested by: Councilwoman Amy Phan West;
Vice Mayor Kimberly Ho
Prepared by*: Christine Cordon, City Manager
*Staff reports prepared by staff on behalf of members of the City Council do not reflect the opinions of staff and are generated in collaboration with the requesting council member(s).
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommendation
Consider the request to adopt a Resolution entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA, RECOGNIZING MAY ANNUALLY AS SMALL BUSINESS MONTH AND ESTABLISHING A CITYWIDE ANNUAL ‘SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR’ RECOGNITION PROGRAM,” and provide direction to implement the program.
BACKGROUND
This item is being requested by Councilwoman Amy Phan West (District 1) and seconded by Vice Mayor Kimberly Ho (District 3).
According to the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) latest Frequently Asked Questions dated March 2023, independent small businesses with less than 500 employees account for approximately 99.9% of all American businesses; or 33,185,550 small businesses in the United States as of the March 2023 update (Attachment 1).
Westminster’s economic development and revenues are heavily dependent upon the successes of the small business community, as sales tax is the largest consistent source of revenue.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a 501(c)(6) business organization and advocacy group, annually recognizes the month of May as “Small Business Month.” In celebration of the small business community throughout Westminster, Councilwoman Phan West and Vice Mayor Ho are requesting that the month of May be designated as “Small Business Month” annually, and that a recognition program be established to recognize small businesses that have made an impact or have contributed to the economic growth and vitality of Westminster.
“Small Business of the Year” Recognition Program
The goal of the program is to recognize the vital contributions of local small businesses on the Westminster community, and encourage economic growth and facilitate the support of local businesses.
Small businesses in Westminster that are nominated must meet the following criteria to be eligible for recognition:
• Nominated business must be a small business of 100 or less employees with its primarily location in Westminster and in good standing with an active business license.
• Nominated business may not be owned by city officials or their immediate families (includes spouse, child, parent, grandparent, cousin, niece, nephew, uncle, or aunt), candidates running for office, or a city employee.
• Nominated business must have been in business for at least three years.
• Nominated business must demonstrate one or more of the following characteristics: business growth (increased sales, profitability, expansion), industry innovation, and/or economic support for the city.
• Nominee must demonstrate community and/or charity involvement.
Anyone can submit one or multiple nominations (one nomination per form).
Self-nominations will not be accepted or acknowledged. Late submissions will not be accepted.
The deadline to submit a nomination this year is April 22, 2024 by 5 p.m. Each council member will select one honoree. Honorees will be notified by Friday, April 26 and invited to attend the May 8th City Council meeting to be recognized.
The deadlines and timelines for future years will be adjusted administratively as necessary.
FISCAL IMPACT
There will be a cost for cake or desserts and non-alcoholic drinks, certificates, and other materials provided to the honorees. Staff does not anticipate the cost to exceed $600. This will be expended from City Council - Special Department Expense account 10000-44020.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
If the City Council adopts the resolution and approves the establishment and implementation of the program, the nomination period for the 2024 recognition will open from April 11-22. Honorees will be recognized at the May 8, 2024 City Council meeting under “Special Presentations.”
ATTACHMENTS
1. March 2023 Update from Small Business Administration
2. Proposed Resolution
3. Business of the Year Program Nomination Form and Instructions
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
Christian Bettenhausen, City Attorney
Christine Cordon, City Manager