HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Mail Packet - 06/18/2024 - Memorandum from Shannon Hein re: 2023 Multicultural Business and Entrepreneur Center Annual Report
Economic Health Office
222 LaPorte Avenue
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.416.2164
fcgov.com/business
MEMORANDUM
DATE: June 13, 2024
TO: Mayor Jeni Arndt and City Councilmembers THROUGH: Kelly DiMartino, City Manager
Tyler Marr, Deputy City Manager
SeonAh Kendall, Economic Health Director FROM: Shannon Hein, Economic Health Manager RE: 2023 Multicultural Business and Entrepreneur Center Annual Report
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide Mayor and City Council with a 2023 annual report from
the Multicultural Business and Entrepreneur Center (MBEC) funded by the American Rescue Plan Act
(ARPA).
BACKGROUND:
The MBEC is a free bilingual (English & Spanish) center that provides business owners and
entrepreneurs access to resources such as consulting to support in navigating City processes. The goal
of the MBEC is to help anyone in the community create, launch, or grow a business in Fort Collins.
ARPA funds the MBEC via program dollars and three full-time contractual staff members. MBEC staff
members have served hundreds of current and potential business owners, especially those whom
English is not their first language or who do not know how to access entrepreneurial services. By
meeting business owners where they are in the community, MBEC builds strong connections with its
clients.
2023 HIGHLIGHTS AND SUCCESS FACTORS:
• 248 total appointments
• 744 estimated hours spent with clients
• 117 of these were repeat engagements, showing the ability to build trust with customers
• At least 40% of customers are known Spanish monolingual
• 64 total businesses created since MBEC was formed in 2022
• Participating in nonprofit partner events has proven to be the most effective method for promoting
MBEC's services and engaging with clients
• Host partners (Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce, Larimer Small Business Development
Center, and Poudre River Library District) are instrumental to the success of the program
Attachments:
• 2023 MBEC Annual Report
CC: Jacob Castillo, Chief Sustainability Officer; Edgar Ramos, Senior Bilingual Business Connector; Tommy Meritt, Bilingual Business
Connector; Leisha Talley, Business Connector; James Redmond, Sr Specialist Communications
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6F9C18A7-6378-4857-9D32-D1F3BCB7B0D4
2023 MBEC Program Data
The Multicultural Business & Entrepreneur Center (MBEC) is a free bilingual (English & Spanish) center
that provides business owners and entrepreneurs access to resources and support in navigating City
processes. Our goal is to help anyone in our community create, launch, or grow a business in Fort
Collins.
Analysis of the MBEC Program’s Impact and Value
Data Points Defined
• Total Appointments – An aggregate of all appointments, including unique appointments.
• Unique Appointments – An aggregate of a client’s first appointment with the MBEC.
• Businesses Created – We define this metric by assisting a client navigate the business registration
process successfully. Criteria include registration with the Secretary of State of Colorado, IRS EIN
requests, City and County licenses and permits.
Data Source and Broader Trends
The report is based on data from client surveys at the MBEC, highlighting feedback from entrepreneurs'
post-service survey. Of the 131 individuals served, follow-up survey results are reflected from 40
customers. The MBEC's influence is seen in fostering a more diverse and empowered entrepreneurial
ecosystem, representing improved progress towards removing barriers for underrepresented business
owners. This aligns with the MBEC's mission to support community growth and inclusivity.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6F9C18A7-6378-4857-9D32-D1F3BCB7B0D4
Appointment Metrics
The Multicultural Business and Entrepreneur Center (MBEC) has shown remarkable progress and impact
in supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs. This analysis delves into the program's performance
over the past year, emphasizing its growing influence and effectiveness in the community.
Although the data covers 40 individuals, it reflects broader trends in Fort Collins' entrepreneurial
environment, showing patterns of engagement, demographic diversity, and success stories that align
with the city's growing inclusive business community.
248: Total Appointments 131: Unique Appointments 37: Businesses created with our services
The 248 total appointments at the MBEC include 131 unique individuals, indicating that several clients
are returning for additional support, accounting for 117 repeat engagements. This repeat engagement is
not restricted by service limits, allowing clients to seek continual support as they navigate their business
journey. The recurrence of appointments is a testament to clients' trust and satisfaction in our services.
This distinct data point reflects the MBEC's commitment to fostering long-term relationships and
providing ongoing, valuable assistance to the entrepreneurial community.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6F9C18A7-6378-4857-9D32-D1F3BCB7B0D4
Key Metrics and Growth
1. Year-over-Year Growth
• Total Appointments: Increased by 40%, indicating heightened engagement and demand
for MBEC services.
• Unique Appointments: Rose by 28%, reflecting successful outreach to new participants.
• Businesses Created: A 37% increase, underscoring the program's effectiveness in
fostering entrepreneurship.
2. Demographic Focus
• The MBEC supports all individuals but have seen the highest need for support to our
underrepresented, underserved community members.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6F9C18A7-6378-4857-9D32-D1F3BCB7B0D4
Gender and Race/Ethnicity Distribution
1. Gender Reach
• The program engaged with more women (24) than men (16), showcasing its appeal and
accessibility to female entrepreneurs. This is particularly important given that women
often face more barriers in the business world.
2. Ethnicity Diversity:
• The high number of Latinx/Hispanic participants (25) reflects the program's
effectiveness in reaching this demographic. We also attribute this to word-of-mouth
promotion from existing customers. The diversity in ethnicity, included participants
identifying as Middle Eastern/North African, American Indian, African American/Black,
Asian/Asian American, and White, highlighting MBEC's inclusive approach.
*Data is based on 40 survey results.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6F9C18A7-6378-4857-9D32-D1F3BCB7B0D4
Service Utilization Insights
1. Entrepreneurship Exploration (30)
• This being the most utilized service underscores the program's role in fostering early-
stage entrepreneurship, which is critical in nurturing new business ideas.
2. Bilingual Services (20) and Connection to Resources (22)
• The utilization of these services combined indicates a high demand for accessible
language support and resource networking. This aligns with the program’s demographic
makeup, particularly serving a significant Spanish-speaking clientele.
3. Guidance on General or City Processes (13) and Information on Programs (11)
• These services reflect the need for efficient navigational support in understanding and
accessing municipal and program-specific resources, permits/licenses, and
requirements. As city employees, we possess a unique advantage in this area, enabling
us to offer substantial value and bridge gaps in accessing city-related processes and
program-specific information efficiently.
4. Entrepreneurship Launch (12) and Recovery Grants Support (3)
• Engagement in these services suggests a focus not only on starting businesses but also
on sustaining them through challenging phases like COVID-19 business recovery.
*Data is based on 40 survey results.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6F9C18A7-6378-4857-9D32-D1F3BCB7B0D4
Program Highlights
MBEC Networking Events
In response to customer feedback, MBEC began planning social events. With the intention of community
building, we gathered for our first networking event in November at The Taco Stop with over 50
attendees. This resource-rich collective network of MBEC customers were delighted to celebrate their
progress and triumphs among other entrepreneurs as they connected for knowledge exchange, skills
development, and information sharing about available resources. The visibility and exposure also meant
people could seek general goods and services offered by other MBEC businesses.
MBEC Community Events
The Multicultural Business and Entrepreneur Center actively engages in community events hosted by
organizations such as Alianza NORCO, Fuerza Latina, and ISAAC of Northern Colorado, where they
provide essential support and resources related to immigration services. By participating in these
events, MBEC fosters an environment of education and outreach, ensuring that aspiring business
owners from diverse backgrounds feel supported and equipped to pursue their entrepreneurial
endeavors. Attendees can meet the connectors and make appointments with them to receive business
assistance. The team attended 16 events in 2023.
At a community event in December, organized by Fuerza Latina, connectors made 12 appointments.
Team Expansion
The addition of Leisha Talley, a third business connector, played a pivotal role in enhancing the
program’s capacity to serve more participants effectively, including the creative sector and women-
owned businesses.
Technological Advancements
Implementing software automation akin to a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system has
improved operational efficiency, contributing to the increased number of appointments and enhanced
customer service.
Business Highlight
The MBEC Business Connectors have built strong relationships with colleagues in other departments
that support the work of setting up our business customers for success. This includes dedicated Teams
chats with Sales Tax, Planning and Building, Plastics/Environmental, and a work-around with Larimer
County Health (different platforms). This allows Business Connectors to get information from our
trusted colleagues in real time or very quickly. This also prevents businesses from visiting multiple
departments and websites to get their answers.
Through these relationships with our colleagues, we've been able to support businesses going through
City processes at a greater level. One example includes the owner of Enchante Salon and now Turkish
Cafe. The owner started the development review process to divide his salon and add a coffee shop.
After connecting him with some basic resources, a Business Connector began joining the customer at
their Planning meetings as they worked to find a land use code that would support his business model
and add a level of comfort and support. The two teams worked together to connect the owner with the
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6F9C18A7-6378-4857-9D32-D1F3BCB7B0D4
Development Review Technical Assistance grant and get him to where he could expand and open in
compliance. While the owner was going through this process, we were able to connect him with
financial resources and a facilitated collaboration with CSU graphic design students. This was beneficial
in helping him advance in other ways of his business at the same time.
Impact
Filling a Community Need
The MBEC's initiatives are critically aligned with the needs of Fort Collins' business ecosystem, especially
in the aftermath of COVID-19. With 40% of our customer base being Spanish monolingual, and an
additional 5.2% being bilingual, our services are crucial in bridging the language gap for a significant
portion of the community. This approach not only aids in recovery but also ensures equitable access to
vital resources. Our data highlights a concentrated effort towards sectors like Accommodation and
Food Services and Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation, which were among the hardest hit during the
pandemic. By focusing on these industries, we're committed to bolstering business survivability and
providing a solid foundation for growth.
Empowering a Diverse Clientele
While the MBEC is dedicated to supporting a broad range of entrepreneurs, a significant portion of our
clientele comprises of women and Spanish bilingual/monolingual entrepreneurs. This demographic
trend primarily results from the program's targeted marketing efforts through the events we attend and
the tailored nature of its services. By effectively reaching and assisting these groups, who often
encounter unique challenges in the entrepreneurial landscape, the MBEC demonstrates its commitment
to fostering an inclusive and diverse business community.
Room for Growth in for 2024
The MBEC is poised for significant expansion and refinement of its services in 2024, aiming to meet the
evolving needs of our diverse entrepreneurial community more effectively. Our focus is on enhancing
accessibility, inclusivity, and the depth of our support offerings, as outlined in our key goals for the
coming year:
• Extended Service Hours
Recognizing the varied schedules of our entrepreneurs, we are aiming to offer services beyond
traditional working hours.
• Multilingual Support Services
To address the linguistic diversity of our community, we plan to onboard service providers fluent in
languages such as Spanish and Arabic. This expansion will include professionals like lawyers and
accountants, enabling us to offer specialized guidance in multiple languages, thus removing
language barriers to accessing critical business services.
• Enhanced Support for the Creative Sector
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6F9C18A7-6378-4857-9D32-D1F3BCB7B0D4
Acknowledging the unique challenges and opportunities within the creative industries, we will
develop targeted programs and resources for this sector. Our goal is to nurture the growth and
sustainability of creative businesses, recognizing their vital contribution to the cultural and
economic fabric of Fort Collins.
• Industry-Specific Partnerships
Partnering with a local Spanish-speaking restaurant owner is a strategic move to provide industry-
specific support, particularly to the food and accommodation sector. This collaboration aims to
deliver hands-on guidance and insights from someone with direct experience and success in the
industry, offering invaluable support to emerging food service entrepreneurs.
• Business-Specific Language Education
To empower entrepreneurs with the necessary linguistic tools for success, we would plan to partner
with an educator to offer classes focused on English business terminology. These sessions are
designed to enhance communication skills, making it easier for non-native English speakers to
navigate the business landscape, secure deals, and expand their networks.
• Securing Sustainable Funding
Future-proofing the MBEC is a critical objective. Our strategy includes submitting an offer through
the Budgeting for Outcomes (BFO) process, spearheaded by the Economic Health Office.
Conclusion
The MBEC has proven to be a vital asset to the Fort Collins community, especially in empowering
underrepresented entrepreneurs. Its substantial growth in key metrics, coupled with strategic
enhancements in team and technology, demonstrate its effectiveness and value. As the program enters
a new year, its track record of success and community impact stands as a testament to its necessity and
potential for future growth. A special thank you to our partners and hosts who provide and create
spaces for our Business Connectors to meet customers throughout the community.
Poudre River Library District, Downtown location
• Appointments available on Mondays from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce
• Appointments available on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Small Business Development Center at Front Range Community College campus.
• Appointments available on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Appointments are also available outside of these hours by request.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6F9C18A7-6378-4857-9D32-D1F3BCB7B0D4