Governor’s Hispanic Commission

Economic Development Subcommittee

Meeting Minutes

NOVEMBER 12, 2013

PAGE 1

Governor’s Hispanic Commission

Economic Development Subcommittee

Meeting Minutes

November 12, 2013

Delaware Economic Development Office

Governor’s Hispanic Commission

Economic Development Subcommittee

Meeting Minutes

NOVEMBER 12, 2013

PAGE 1

PRESENT:

Sonia Aguilar, DEDO

Veronica Richardson, DEDO

Ed Simon, DEDO

Ken Anderson, DEDO

Lillie Crawford, DCED

Michelle Morin, OMB

Givvel Marrero, Promotion Zone

Andrea Tabacco, Promotion Zone

Ramon Ceballos, Del DOT

Brenda Soto, HR Professional

Javier Torrijos, Del DOT

Bob O’Brien, SCORE, via phone

Governor’s Hispanic Commission

Economic Development Subcommittee

Meeting Minutes

NOVEMBER 12, 2013

PAGE 1

The meeting began with introductions.

Sonia met with Lillie in regard to operating the Hispanic American Business Center at Delaware State University. She has also met with the Delaware Division of Libraries to discuss the same topic. The outcome of both meetings was very positive and the pros and cons of each location is being carefully considered. An important point of consideration is the availability of weekend and evening hours. The library has agreed to giving one day each week from 4pm to 8pm and all day Saturday at the Wilmington, Dover, Seaford and Georgetown locations.Sonia stressed to them that this is a pilot program and there needs to be a degree of flexibility.

Sonia is hoping to launch this program during the 1st quarter of 2014, ideally starting in January. A lot depends on how quickly the AmeriCorp VISTA will be able to get on board and become familiar with the program. Sonia is asking for the support of the existing resource partners. Brenda has volunteered to help as well. The goal is to first conduct assessments of the interested individuals to see where they are in their business development planning. After the assessment the first course would be doing business in the US, followed by basic business fundamentals. After they complete those two trainings they would then ready for the 8 to 10 week business development course.Brenda thought the assessment stage is crucial.

Sonia has located a Spanish version of the SBTDC “Small Business Start Up Guide”. She is asking the business resource representatives to take a look at the English version to ensure that is accurate and valid. She will assign the representatives on the committee a chapter to review.

Javier recounted his conversation with the Governor. He stated that the Governor feels there is a definite need for this program. Javier reiterated that the purpose of the commission is to get the ball rolling, make the Governor aware of the issues and to have an organization/existing business partner to take ownership of the proposed solution. Sonia stated that is important to first demonstrate a demand for these services and to create a program to which the community will respond. Sonia stated that she has gained approval to use up to $24,000 for ESL training. Javier stated that the Delaware Hispanic Commission (DHC) will also consider funding some of the expenses of this program as well. Sonia stated that she will be asking the DHC for $25,000 that will be earmarked for marketing, materials and tutors. Javier also reminded the committee that the SBA has donated $500.00 towards this project.

Sonia prepared a PowerPoint presentation for the DHC request and she reviewed that presentation at this meeting. Lillie suggested adding number of jobs created to the measurements and Michelle suggested adding wage information from jobs created. Michelle also suggested changing the statement of patents obtained to patents filed. Brenda noted that it was important to find out how those that come to the center found out about the center.

The committee members agreed that the key to success is having a good assessment tool. This will determine the stage of business development. Sonia asked committee members to come together to compile a list of the appropriate assessment questions. Brenda and Ken will head up the team. Michelle will provide the short list for State contracting. Ramon will get a list from DBE as well. Brenda and Ken will work with the resource partners to gather this information to present at our next meeting. They will meet after the Open For Business session at Kent County Levy Court on December 5th. Brenda suggests that when they meet, some homework should be done. Sonia will send Brenda the list of questions that were used in the surveys from the Meet ‘n Greet sessions.

Andrea will be working with Meghan to conduct follow up on the surveys of the contacts that were gathered at the Meet ‘n Greets, the Millsboro Hispanic Festival and at the L.A.C.C. They will use a short survey to assess the interest of those that initially expressed interest.

Sonia clarified her vision of how the training will occur. There will be one facilitator that will manage the training and sessions. The resource partners will assist with the training and they will know well in advance when their assistance will be needed. Sonia stressed the importance of unity in this initiative and wants to make sure the effort is presented as a cohesive effort.

Action items:

  • Sonia will assign the representatives on the committee a chapter of the English version of the SBTDC “Small Business Start Up Guide” to review
  • Brenda and Ken will gather information for the assessment

Upcoming meetings, meetings will be held at the Dover DEDO office from 9:30am – 11:30am:

  • December 10th
  • January 14th
  • February 11th