HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 5h. Authorize Staff to submit three Grant Applications for the Uplift Central Coast Catalyst Partnership Opportunity Item 5h
Department: Administration
Cost Center: 1004
For Agenda of: 12/10/2024
Placement: Consent
Estimated Time: N/A
FROM: Greg Hermann, Deputy City Manager
Prepared By: McKenzie Taffe, Economic Development Analyst
SUBJECT: AUTHORIZE STAFF TO SUBMIT THREE GRANT APPLICATIONS FOR
THE UPLIFT CENTRAL COAST CATALYST PARTNERSHIP
OPPORTUNITY
RECOMMENDATION
1. Authorize staff to submit three grant applications, each requesting $250,000, for
funding under the Uplift Central Coast Catalyst Partnership Opportunity. The
applications will support the following programs: 1) Childcare Grants, 2) Conference
Center Project Plan, and 3) DEI Small Business Grant Program ; and
2. Authorize the City Manager, or their designee, to execute all related grant documents
and approve budget changes necessary to appropriate the grant amount(s) upon
notification that the grant(s) have been awarded.
POLICY CONTEXT
The City of San Luis Obispo’s Financial Management Manual, Section 740 - Grant
Management Policy states that Council will approve all grant applications in excess of
$5,000 and delegate receipt and contract execution to the City Manager.
DISCUSSION
In early October 2024, the City received a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) from
REACH for the Uplift Central Coast Catalyst Partnership Opportunity. The objective of
Catalyst Predevelopment Funding is to support sector-specific, exploratory,
predevelopment activities that align with regional strategies developed under the
California Jobs First initiative. The funding aims to foster economic resilience,
environmental sustainability, and equitable growth by investing in projects that:
Advance priorities and promote the strategies identified in Uplift’s Regional Plan
Part II.
Ensure that workers and disinvested communities are the primary beneficiaries.
Leverage federal, state, and private dollars to maximize impact.
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Item 5h
Catalyst Predevelopment Phase Projects can fall into one of three stages: (1) Concept:
Up to $50,000; (2) Accelerator: Up to $250,000; (3) Launchpad: Up to $1,000,000. Final
budget amounts are subject to change based on negotiations between Uplift and
awardees. With assistance from the City’s grant writer, Adrienne Harris, the City
submitted three Letters of Interest (LOIs) for "Accelerator” programs for the following
projects that are in alignment with the grant objectives:
1. Childcare Expansion (Attachment A): This proposal is for up to $250,000 to
continue the City’s Childcare Grant Program and for City fee waivers and
zoning regulation updates, aiming to reduce licensure barriers, increase quality
childcare availability, and facilitate workforce reintegration for parents by
expanding childcare slots.
This work is outlined in Major City Goal 1.2:
g. Continue to support new and expanded private childcare options through
the use of grant funding and other programs.
h. Continue to support the childcare options for school age children through
the City's own programs and programs in conjunction with other partners
This work also overlaps with Economic Development Strategic Plan Tasks:
3.1.7. Continue to support new and expanded private childcare options through
the use of grant funding and other programs.
3.1.8. Initiate an update to the zoning regulations to further incentivize and
streamline the review and permitting of day care centers, including
consideration of relaxed property development standards
2. Conference Center Project Plan (Attachment B): This proposal is for up to
$250,000 to create a site plan for a new conference center at the soon -to-be-
vacated Downtown courthouse location, aiming to boost local economic
development, provide a community venue, and attract diverse events,
ultimately generating significant economic and fiscal impacts. Initial feedback
from the City’s Letter of Intent identified that the grant application should center
arts and culture, disinvested communities, and community partners in the
project.
This work is outlined in the following Economic Development Strategic Plan
Task:
2.3.3. Restart discussions with partners regarding the potential of a conference
facility and explore potential funding structures (i.e., public, private, or public -
private partnership).
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Item 5h
3. DEI Small Business Grant Program (Attachment C): This proposal is for up
to $250,000 to continue and expand funding for the City’s DEI Small Business
Grant Program. This program used one-time funding to provide direct funding
to businesses to increase access and availability of products and services that
contribute to making San Luis Obispo a more welcoming community.
This work is outlined in our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Plan
Tactic:
1.2.8. Research opportunities to support ongoing funding for the DEI SLO
Business Grant Program.
On November 1, 2024, the City was notified that all of the above-mentioned project plans
have been selected to submit full grant proposals. Additionally, the City has been in
partnership with local agencies comprised of the County of San Luis Obispo, San Luis
Coastal Unified School District, and Cal Poly State University for a county-wide childcare
feasibility study. All four agencies are in collaboration, with Cal Poly serving as the
oversight agency, in submitting for an additional grant opportunity with the Uplift Central
Coast Catalyst Partnership Opportunity.
Next Steps
Staff are currently collaborating with the City’s Grant Writer to complete the grant
applications, which are due by December 13, 2024. To ensure timely approval, staff are
submitting this Council Agenda Report concurrently with the application development
process. The funding awardees will be announced in January 2025, and recipients must
complete their programs and utilize all awarded funds by September 2026.
Public Engagement
This item is on the agenda for the December 9, 2024, City Council meeting. The public
will have an opportunity to comment on this item at or before the meeting.
CONCURRENCE
The City departments that would be impacted by the work associated with this grant
award concur with the recommendation to apply for this funding opportunity. This includes
the Community Development Department, the Parks and Recreation Department, and the
Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
External partners that have been involved in applying for the grant s include the
Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County (CAPSLO) and the County of
San Luis Obispo. CAPSLO is the subcontractor of our existing Childcare grant program
and will continue to serve in that role for future grant programs. The County of San Luis
Obispo is a partner in the Conference Center grant application as the landholder of the
Courthouse site. Both organizations concur with the recommendation to apply for this
funding opportunity.
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Item 5h
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) does not apply to the recommended
action in this report, because the action does not constitute a “Project” under CEQA
Guidelines Sec. 15378. If the work associated with the grant funding requires
environmental review, staff will not proceed with the project until a review has been
completed.
FISCAL IMPACT
Budgeted: No Budget Year: 2024-25
Funding Identified: Yes
Fiscal Analysis:
Funding
Sources
Total Budget
Available
Current
Funding
Request
Remaining
Balance
Annual
Ongoing
Cost
General Fund $0 $0 $0 $0
State
Federal
Fees
Other:
Total N/A N/A N/A N/A
This grant funding is not included in the current budget. However, the City already has
established programs for Childcare Grants and DEI Business Grants as part of prior
workplans. The Childcare Grant Program was funded on a one-time basis in the 2023-25
Financial Plan, so this funding would enable it to continue and expand into the next
financial plan. The DEI Business Grant Program was also funded on a one-time basis,
but the initial applications exceeded available funding by more than 300%, showing
capacity for additional funding.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Council could decide not to pursue any of the grant funding. This action is not
recommended by staff because this funding would support the continued funding and
expansion of important work related to Council’s Major City Goals and strategic plan
objectives.
2. Council could direct staff to submit only one or two of the grant proposals.
Council should provide direction on which grant applications should be submitted.
ATTACHMENTS
A - Letter of Interest – Childcare Grants
B - Letter of Interest – Conference Center Project Plan
C - Letter of Interest – DEI Small Business Grant Program
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City of San Luis Obispo, City Administration, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401-3249, 805.781.7114, slocity.org
October 18, 2024
1. Entity Information:
a. Entity Name: City of San Luis Obispo Office of Economic Development and Tourism
b. Type of Entity: Municipality
c. Contact details: McKenzie Taffe, Economic Development Analyst
d. Brief overview of the entity’s mission and history:
The City of San Luis Obispo was first incorporated in 1856. The Major City Goals are the most
important and highest-priority goals for the City to accomplish. Our Major City Goal of Economic
Resiliency, Cultural Vitality and Fiscal Sustainability includes efforts to make it easier for employers and
employees by focusing on permit processing improvements and childcare.
2. Project Overview:
a. Description of the project, project objectives, expected impact and
outcomes, and how the project’s success will be measured
A thriving central coast economy needs enough quality childcare slots to sustain the workforce. Without
adequate childcare facilities in San Luis Obispo, businesses cannot recruit and retain top talent to thrive.
The project will provide continued investment in childcare business startup and slot expansion,
administered by the Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo’s Child Care Resource
Connection. The City has funded 3 rounds of funding to create more childcare slots within the City. In
FY2023-FY2024, the grant created 11 newly licensed businesses and 116 slots for children, with 8
applicants pending licensure with potential to create an additional 92 slots. This project will extend that
funding through the end of the grant.
Additionally, the City will commit to covering permitting costs for grant recipients, effectively waiving
development fees for those recipients. While the City has already made strides to make family day care
permitting more simple, daycare providers still struggle to pay permitting fees, including planning,
building, and fire fees. This portion of the project will fund the waiving of these development fees. The
City is in a unique position to fund grants for daycares to enhance their home-based daycares, and also
guiding daycare businesses through the regulatory process. Ultimately, this extension of the childcare
grant program will help to inform an update to zoning ordinances, which will further streamline the
permitting process for additional childcare facilities.
The objective of the project is to incentivize childcare business startups, reduce barriers to licensure, and
accelerate the creation of additional quality childcare slots. The unique combination of these projects will
allow the City to better understand the hurdles faced by childcare businesses and address these hurdles
through an update to the zoning regulations, as well as effectively waiving development review fees for
daycare businesses. The expected impact is increased childcare slots within the City, which will allow
more parents to return to work and fill critical staffing vacancies in businesses and organizations within
the City. Additionally, local employers will be better able to recruit and retain top talent for their
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organizations. Since San Luis Obispo is the place for many jobs in the county, we have an outsize need
for childcare slots compared to other communities.
The projects’ success will be measured by the number of new childcare businesses within the City with 4
or more childcare slots, and a goal of meeting more cycle times for daycare and childcare facility
permitting within the City.
b. Stage (Concept, Accelerator, or Launchpad)
Accelerator
c. Population of focus (who is the project primarily benefiting)
Working people in San Luis Obispo with young children.
d. Geographic focus (where is the project happening)
Within the City of San Luis Obispo.
3. Alignment with Uplift’s Strategies in the Regional Plan:
a. Identify which sector(s) and strategy(ies) the project aligns to
Economic Mobility Strategies | Childcare
b. Provide a brief description of how the project aligns to noted sector(s)
and strategy(ies)
Expanded childcare slots within the City of San Luis Obispo will promote economic mobility by allowing
parents to return to work. The City of San Luis Obispo is an economic hub of the county and is acutely
affected by a lack of reliable childcare slots. This grant program also allows childcare providers to start
their own business, expanding the childcare workforce. Additionally, waiving the City’s permitting fees
for grant recipients will enhance childcare infrastructure for new developments and major renovations for
childcare centers. Further, a comprehensive review of the City’s zoning regulations update will include a
consolidated checklist of permits needed to operate a daycare business, making the permitting process
simpler and easier to understand.
4. Alignment with Uplift’s North Star and California Jobs First Requirements
(Please see Section 3: Evaluation Criteria, Timeline, and Requirements). Briefly
describe how the project enhances:
a. Economic opportunity
Expanding childcare slots within the City means that more of our workforce will have reliable childcare.
Working parents with reliable childcare are less likely to miss work due to gaps in childcare, which helps
maintain job security and improve productivity in the region. This leads to better job prospects for
working parents, more opportunities for promotion and economic mobility, and better access to high-
wage jobs.
b. Equity
Expanding childcare slots directly enhances equity by allowing women to work. A majority of women
shoulder caregiving responsibilities and are more frequently reducing their hours at work or leaving the
workforce altogether. Many women rely on childcare to keep their children safe while the work. With
expanded childcare slots in the City, more women can return to their workforce full-time, boosting annual
wages and reducing earning disparities.
c. Sustainability
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As of 2021, 23,317 workers commuted into San Luis Obispo to work. By creating childcare facilities in
San Luis Obispo, we are not only serving our residents, but those who work in the City but live
elsewhere. With more conveniently located childcare facilities in San Luis Obispo, workers may not need
to travel as far for quality childcare, reducing carbon emissions associated with driving to and from
daycare.
5. Partnerships and Community Engagement: List of current or potential partners.
Please note that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be required for
the full application but it is not needed for the LOI phase.
Uplift seeks solutions at the intersection of Economic Opportunity, Equity, and Sustainability
9
Current: CAPSLO
Potential: Women’s Business Center
6. Administrative Requirements: Confirm that the applicant will be able to provide
liability insurance and an audit or financial statement.
The City of San Luis Obispo can provide liability insurance and an audit or financial statement.
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City of San Luis Obispo, City Administration, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401-3249, 805.781.7114, slocity.org
1. Entity Information:
a. Entity Name: City of San Luis Obispo Office of Economic Development and Tourism
b. Type of Entity: Municipality
c. Contact details: McKenzie Taffe, Economic Development Analyst
d. Brief overview of the entity’s mission and history:
The City of San Luis Obispo was first incorporated in 1856. The Major City Goals are the most
important and highest-priority goals for the City to accomplish. Our Major City Goal of Economic
Resiliency, Cultural Vitality and Fiscal Sustainability includes efforts to move forward the development
of a conference center.
2. Project Overview
a. Description of the project, project objectives, expected impact and outcomes, and how the
project’s success will be measured
The City of SLO proposes to develop a site-specific plan for a conference center in San Luis Obispo,
which will take the place of the existing courthouse facility after the State relocates the current courthouse
at 1050 Monterey Street. The primary objectives are to enhance local economic development, provide a
venue for community engagement, and attract diverse events that benefit both residents and visitors. The
conference center will provide greater information-sharing opportunities between STEM and precision
manufacturing businesses, bringing in talent and expertise from throughout the state and the nation.
Currently, there is insufficient meeting space anywhere in the county to host large conferences. In order to
position our region as a champion of clean energy and precision manufacturing, we need a centrally
located conference center that can bring together business leaders and innovators.
The consultant engaged by the City projects the San Luis Obispo Conference Center to host 325 events
annually by the time demand stabilizes and more than 72,000 attendees annually. These events and
attendees generate 21,000 room nights in the market area per year. The facility could generate $22 million
in annual economic impact and $995,000 in annual fiscal impact by demand stabilization.
In 2017, Visit SLO CAL commissioned a market study for a countywide conference center, and the City
will soon finish a feasibility study for a center. The site that is the best fit for a conference center is the
soon-to-be relocated courthouse facility at 1050 Monterey Street, which will be relocated by 2029.
Locating a conference center in downtown SLO will avoid the urban blight that could otherwise be
created by the courthouse building moving. The courthouse is a key economic driver for downtown San
Luis Obispo. The proximity of the courthouse to legal offices means that lawyers, county employees, and
jurors come downtown and support local businesses. A conference center would fill that void left by the
courthouse annex, activating mid-week visitation and spending, and creating a community space that
would benefit community members and visitors alike.
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The expected impact of this project will provide a blueprint for the future development of a conference
center in downtown San Luis Obispo. The project’s success will be measured by the successful
completion of the specific plan and ultimately moving to the next step of the development process.
b. Stage (Concept, Accelerator, or Launchpad)
This project is currently in the Accelerator stage.
c. Population of focus
The project will benefit local main-street businesses that will gain increased foot traffic, the diverse
regional workforce who will gain access to employment opportunities, residents who can enjoy
programming in the new facility, and visitors from across the state and the country that will participate in
conferences.
d. Geographic focus
The project is in downtown San Luis Obispo, California, which is an economic hub for our county.
3. Alignment with Uplift’s Strategies in the Regional Plan
a. Identify which sector(s) and strategy(ies) the project aligns to
The project aligns with the Precision Manufacturing and Advanced Business Services Strategies:
Enhance the Capacity of the Region’s Talent Ecosystem to Serve Priority Sectors:
Unlock the Full Potential of the Region’s Innovation Assets
Increase Supports for High-Growth Entrepreneurship
Enhance Core and Sector-Relevant Infrastructure
b. Provide a brief description of how the project aligns to noted sector(s) and strategy(ies)
By creating a pathway for development of a conference center, local industries in STEM can host “talent-
industry exchanges”. A conference center in downtown San Luis Obispo could significantly support
economic development in key sectors such as precision manufacturing by attracting industry-specific
conferences and trade shows. These events would provide a venue for networking between local
manufacturers, suppliers, and potential clients. Additionally, these events would foster innovation and
efficiency improvements in precision manufacturing, which could help local businesses upskill their
workforce. By collaborating with Cal Poly, research and development in the precision manufacturing
sector would be on display through programming at the conference center, incentivizing more high-
growth entrepreneurship in the region. Ultimately, the conference center will be key component in
diversifying the Central Coast workforce and expanding the reach of local precision manufacturing
businesses.
4. Alignment with Uplift’s North Star and California Jobs First Requirements
a. Economic opportunity
The proposed conference center directly supports economic development by creating jobs and stimulating
local business growth. The project also attracts conferences that increase visitor spending in the local
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economy. Ultimately, the conference center will be hub for local and regional businesses and
organizations, putting SLO on the map for future conference locations and business travel.
b. Equity
The conference center will promote equity by supporting a diverse workforce as well as creating a space
accessible to community groups for gatherings and activities. By offering spaces for diverse community
events, it fosters engagement and collaboration, ensuring that all community members can participate in
regional economic and social activities.
c. Sustainability
Sustainability will be a core principle of the conference center’s design and operation. The center will
implement green building practices, energy-efficient systems, and waste reduction strategies.
Additionally, the center can serve as a facility for information-sharing in STEM research, especially given
its proximity to Cal Poly and the region’s emerging clean energy nodes.
5. Partnerships and Community Engagement
Current or Potential Partners:
County of San Luis Obispo
Visit SLO CAL
Cal Poly
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be developed to formalize these partnerships in the full
application phase.
6. Administrative Requirements: Confirm that the applicant will be able to provide
liability insurance and an audit or financial statement.
The City of San Luis Obispo can provide liability insurance and an audit or financial statement.
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Entity Information
City of San Luis Obispo
Uplift Catalyst Predevelopment
Grant Letter of Intent (LOI)
This Letter of Intent (LOI) demonstrates to Uplift that you intend to apply for grant funding. This serves as
an initial step to identify projects that align with strategies in Uplift’s Regional Plan Part II. Submission of
an LOI by Friday, October 18, 2024, 5:00 PM PDT using this form is a requirement. Late submissions will
not be considered. Please hit "Submit" at the end of this form when your LOI is complete. The names of
projects and entities who submit an LOI will be shared to encourage collaboration.
All applicants will be notified of the results by the first week of November using the email you have
provided in this application. LOIs are not binding – we expect that applicants will further refine their
concept in their final application with technical assistance such as a bidders forum and a question
period.
Entity Name *
Insert your entity's name.
11/19/24, 2:01 PM Uplift Catalyst Predevelopment Grant Letter of Intent (LOI)
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Wl4Fb-zHVez-RO7_v3FvPPJZPZQJ4vhSz_qQ8Ljya70/edit#response=ACYDBNhpP0sjSJXnVU1W4Ei2tUDrInTvKBtsQrZyoBv…1/8
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501c Nonprofit
Nongovernmental Organization (NGO)
Academic Institution
Government Agency
Community Foundation
Labor Organization
Other:
Nestor Veloz-Passalacqua
nveloz@slocity.org
805-781-7073
Type of Entity *
Select which of the below describes your entity.
Applicant Name *
Insert your first and last name. If someone else is the point of contact please enter their name.
Email Address *
This email address will be used for all Uplift correspondence. Please ensure that it is correct.
Phone Number *
Insert your phone number. If someone else is the point of contact please enter their phone number.
11/19/24, 2:01 PM Uplift Catalyst Predevelopment Grant Letter of Intent (LOI)
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Wl4Fb-zHVez-RO7_v3FvPPJZPZQJ4vhSz_qQ8Ljya70/edit#response=ACYDBNhpP0sjSJXnVU1W4Ei2tUDrInTvKBtsQrZyoBv…2/8
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Founded in 1772, San Luis Obispo has a rich history as a cultural and economic hub of the Central Coast.
The city has consistently sought to adapt and thrive amidst changing economic landscapes, emphasizing
the impor tance of inclusivity and diversity in all facets of community life. The City is dedicated to fostering a
vibrant, inclusive community characterized by strong civic engagement and sustainable practices. Our
mission is to enhance the quality of life for all residents and visitors through innovative services and
programs, while our vision is to be a leader in sustainability, equity, and community well-being.
Project Overview
DEI SLO Business Grant Program
Concept
Accelerator
Launchpad
Entity Description *
Briefly describe what your entity does, its purpose, and mission. (100 words maximum)
Project Title *
Provide a brief title of your project.
Project Stage *
Select which stage your project aligns to. Please reference the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
for more details.
Concept projects are in the early stages of development.
Accelerator projects have moved beyond the initial idea phase and are beginning to take shape
through early planning and analysis.
Launchpad projects are considered feasible and viable, having undergone initial development
steps.
11/19/24, 2:01 PM Uplift Catalyst Predevelopment Grant Letter of Intent (LOI)
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Wl4Fb-zHVez-RO7_v3FvPPJZPZQJ4vhSz_qQ8Ljya70/edit#response=ACYDBNhpP0sjSJXnVU1W4Ei2tUDrInTvKBtsQrZyoBv…3/8
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$250,000
Intended amount of funding requested (estimate is ok)*
11/19/24, 2:01 PM Uplift Catalyst Predevelopment Grant Letter of Intent (LOI)
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Wl4Fb-zHVez-RO7_v3FvPPJZPZQJ4vhSz_qQ8Ljya70/edit#response=ACYDBNhpP0sjSJXnVU1W4Ei2tUDrInTvKBtsQrZyoBv…4/8
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The DEI SLO Business Grant Program provides financial suppor t to local businesses to promote the
economic and social well-being of community members. This program, which follows the Accelerator Stage,
is designed to make San Luis Obispo a more welcoming and inclusive place for all community members
through the interaction with businesses. This grant program will provide the necessary resources to assist
businesses in exploring and implementing business practices that will invite and impact all community
members alike and have a positive effect for underserved and underrepresented individuals in the San Luis
Obispo area. The grant program will accept applications for design and implementation of innovative
business practices that include a DEI lens, such as cultural humility and leadership workshops, inclusive
hiring practices, expansion of diverse food items and services to the community, inclusive social media
campaigns highlighting the diversity of the community among others. This project will allow businesses to
expand services, provide inclusive training programs, mentorship, and practices tailored specifically to equip
individuals and businesses with the skills needed to thrive in an ever changing and diverse business
landscape.
Objectives:
1.Financial Suppor t for Businesses: To allocate grant funding to local businesses, enabling them to
implement diverse business practices that foster inclusivity and equity.
2.Inclusive Training and Practices: To develop and deliver training programs and inclusive business
practices tailored to equip individuals and businesses with the skills needed to thrive in a diverse economy.
3.Service Expansion: To empower businesses to expand their services to ensure they meet the needs of
all community members, par ticularly underserved and underrepresented populations.
Impact and Outcomes:
The DEI SLO Business Grant Program aims to create a measurable impact on both local businesses and the
community at large. As a result, we anticipate:
•Increased Inclusivity: Enhanced business practices that will foster a more inclusive environment for all
community members, par ticularly understanding the impacts to underserved and underrepresented
individuals.
•Inclusive services and business engagement: The program is expected to expand businesses consumer
base and adapt to more inclusive practices, with a target of operationalizing new strategies within the end of
the grant cycle.
•Skill Development: Improved workforce skills through inclusive training programs, leading to higher
employability and career advancement for par ticipants.
Success will be measured through 1) the number of par ticipants engaged with businesses, 2) feedback from
businesses, and 3) community surveys to assess changes in perception and 4) access to services.
Project Description *
Briefly describe the project, its objectives, expected impact and outcomes, and success metrics. (500
words maximum)
11/19/24, 2:01 PM Uplift Catalyst Predevelopment Grant Letter of Intent (LOI)
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Wl4Fb-zHVez-RO7_v3FvPPJZPZQJ4vhSz_qQ8Ljya70/edit#response=ACYDBNhpP0sjSJXnVU1W4Ei2tUDrInTvKBtsQrZyoBv…5/8
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SLO businesses and their clientele/patrons, especially underserved and underrepresented community
members
San Benito County
Santa Cruz County
Monterey County
San Luis Obispo County
Santa Barbara County
Ventura County
Alignment with Strategies in the Regional Plan Part II
Please review Regional Plan Part II for descriptions of strategies. As noted in the NOFO's criteria
evaluation section, projects aligned to the Target Sectors of Precision Manufacturing and Advanced
Business will be prioritized for funding.
Population(s) of Focus *
List the population(s) and/or community(ies) that your project intends to benefit.
Geographic Focus *
Select which county(ies) your project focuses on. (Select all that apply)
11/19/24, 2:01 PM Uplift Catalyst Predevelopment Grant Letter of Intent (LOI)
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Wl4Fb-zHVez-RO7_v3FvPPJZPZQJ4vhSz_qQ8Ljya70/edit#response=ACYDBNhpP0sjSJXnVU1W4Ei2tUDrInTvKBtsQrZyoBv…6/8
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1) Main Street & BIPOC Small Business Strategies: Expand Culturally Responsive Community-Focused Small
Business Technical Assistance, Bolster Small Business Financial Capacity and Access to Capital; 2)
Training, Upskilling, Learning, & Development: Expand On the Job Training and Upskilling, Promote Culturally
and Linguistically Inclusive Upskilling Programs.
Our project aligns with Uplift's target sectors as it implements strategies that promote expansion of
culturally aware and responsive community-based needs and provides capacity and access to capital in
order to allow businesses to be inclusive in their operational practices. Likewise, training and upskilling
expand opportunities for businesses and their employees to stay connected to the needs of the community
by providing equitable access to quality jobs, culturally and linguistically appropriate services, and moving
forward the City’s and Uplift’s aim to contribute to the Central Coast’s resilience against economic shocks,
ensuring a robust and adaptable workforce.
Strategy Alignment *
List the sector title and the strategy name(s) as noted in the Regional Plan Part II (also noted in the
Strategies at a Glance section of the NOFO) that the project aligns to. Example format: Precision
Manufacturing and Advanced Business Services: Accelerate Sub-Baccalaureate Workforce Pipeline
Development
Strategies can be found on the below pages of the Regional Plan Part II:
Precision Manufacturing and Advanced Business Services: 55-57
Healthcare: 62-63
Agriculture: 65-66
Hospitality and Tourism: See note on page 68
Main Street and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Small Business: 74-77
Training, Upskilling, and Learning and Development: 78-81
Child Care: 83-84
Climate Resilience through Economic and Workforce: 88-90
Housing: 94-95
TK-12 & Higher Education: 99-100
Transportation: 102
Immigration: 104
Arts and Culture: 106
Nonprofit: 108
Strategy Alignment *
Describe how the project aligns to the strategy(ies) that you have listed above (200 words maximum)
11/19/24, 2:01 PM Uplift Catalyst Predevelopment Grant Letter of Intent (LOI)
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Wl4Fb-zHVez-RO7_v3FvPPJZPZQJ4vhSz_qQ8Ljya70/edit#response=ACYDBNhpP0sjSJXnVU1W4Ei2tUDrInTvKBtsQrZyoBv…7/8
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The proposed initiative aligns closely with Uplift's Nor th Star and the California Jobs First Requirements as
it aims to invest in and enhance economic oppor tunity, equity, and sustainability for our community. The DEI
SLO Business Grant Program also focuses in clear and tangible outcomes that address fair and inclusive
access to resources, services, and skill learning oppor tunities for all; while truly emphasizing disinvested
communities social, cultural, and economic needs, and putting into action long-lasting strategies that
impact the regional economy in congruence with a climate-focus approach.
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) - Potential
Yes
No
This form was created inside of REACH Central Coast.
Alignment with Uplift’s North Star and California Jobs First Requirements *
Briefly describe how the project aligns to Uplift's North Star and the California Jobs First requirements of
economic opportunity, equity, and sustainability. (200 words maximum)
Partnerships and Community Engagement *
List current or potential partners for the project. Please note that a Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) will be required for the full application but it is not needed for the LOI phase.
My entity has the ability to provide liability insurance and an audit or financial statement.*
If you are asked to submit an application, you will be required to submit liability insurance and an audit or
financial statement.
If the entity does not have the ability to provide liability insurance and an audit or financial
statement, please share why and suggestions of another similar document that the entity can
provide.
Forms
11/19/24, 2:01 PM Uplift Catalyst Predevelopment Grant Letter of Intent (LOI)
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Wl4Fb-zHVez-RO7_v3FvPPJZPZQJ4vhSz_qQ8Ljya70/edit#response=ACYDBNhpP0sjSJXnVU1W4Ei2tUDrInTvKBtsQrZyoBv…8/8
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