It is recommended that the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a contract, for an amount not to exceed $182,710.00, with the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to assist Minority and Women Business Enterprise small businesses for the period of October 1, 2009 through September 30, 2010.

During the Fiscal Year 2009-2010 budget process, the City Council approved financial support for the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) to continue providing business planning assistance and outreach programs to Minority and Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) small businesses located in Fort Worth.

The City will pay the Chamber $182,710.00 to perform the contract measurables.

For the past 28 years, the Chamber has counseled a multitude of individuals and businesses. The Chamber assist clients with topics such as tax planning, employee-related issues, marketing, M/WBE certification and a number of other small business related issues. The Chamber also provides program services such as business planning assistance and business counseling. In addition, clients requiring assistance with business plans receive model instructions on how to complete their particular plan. The Chamber is also a satellite office for the Consular de Mexico.

It is recommended that the City Council authorize the execution of the contract with the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for the period of October 1, 2009, through September 30, 2010. The contract includes a detailed description of services to be provided and requires monthly reporting.