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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0869.000 2018-2020 Harry Kim "�NtV 9f`' y:• Deanna S. Sako Mayor co• Ma c� •'•��� Y _A wk. Director *'1 k ''"'r Steven A.Hunt • Deputy Director • ''tE OP M��=•- County of Hawaii Finance Department 25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2103 • Hilo,Hawai`i 96720 (808)961-8234 • Fax(808)961-8569 (-7, c �ywNM:. ;S' -: NJ CD' April 2, 2020 Aaron Chung, Council Chair and , Members of the Hawai`i County Council Hawaii County Council 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 Re: Agreement with Corporation for National and Community Service Enclosed is a resolution to enter into an agreement with the State of Hawai`i Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism's Hawai`i Technology Development Corporation(HTDC). This agreement is to provide $20,000 of matching funds to HTDC for their Neighbor Island Innovation program. This program will provide technical and business assistance to small and early-stage companies on the neighbor islands. If there are any questions, please do not hesitate to call Beth Dykstra of the Department of Research and Development at 961-8035. Deanna S. Sako Director of Finance Enc. c: R&D (ReS.5g0-D.0) Comm: No. tD9 Ref..To: F C. Ref:Mote. .. �{'t iao Hawai'i County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider Form #: B-52 7/18/91 DEPARTMENT or FINANCE REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION DEPARTMENT: Research and Development DATE: March 27, 2020 STAFF CONTACT: Beth Dykstra PHONE: 961-8035 A. REQUEST: A resolution authorizing the Department of Research and Development to enter into an agreement with the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation (HTDC) for its Neighbor Island Innovation (N13) program in the amount of$20,000.00. The source of funds is Resource Center R&D 010.1.61,.5162.98 11.5 Misc. Contract Services. The HTDC is contributing $20,000.00 in matching resources. B. BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION (USE ADDITIONAL SHEETS AS NEEDED): The HTDC, a program of the State.of Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism is funded each year by the State Legislature. In 2019 HTDC's budget was reduced significantly resulting in:a scaled back NI3 program. The NI3 initiative is designed to provide technical and business assistance to small and early-stage companies on the neighbor islands. Theprogram currently operates on the islands of Hawaii and Kauai. The N13 program is an important business development partner on Hawaii Island, complementing but not duplicating the services of partner organizations such as the Small Business Development Centers and The Kohala Center. Traditional mentoring programs like SCORE funded by the Small Business Administration, are not available on Hawaii Island. The NI3 program is the only organization that provides expert mentoring and consultation for entrepreneurs, particularly in technology related enterprises. The program connects technology and value-added businesses to state and federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR).grants, the State Manufacturing Assistance Program (MAP) which provides grants to Hawaii companies•f_or the purchase of capital equipment, and the Federal.Manufacturing:Extension Partnership.(MEP), a nation-wide network of manufacturing subject matter experts.. `The HTDC continues to pursue state and federal funding to support its programs but is also working toward developing a self-sustaining financing model. The County's support will maintain the program's momentum and help develop economic diversification through local technology focused businesses. SIGNED: DATE: 490,--9e epart4nt Head 41.01-10