AMENDED AND RESTATED MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDINGAmended and Restated
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Clearwater Business SPARK
THIS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) IS
INTENDED SOLELY AS AN EXPRESSION OF THE
GENERAL INTENTIONS OF THE PARTIES. THE PARTIES
INTEND THAT NONE OF THE PARTIES SHALL HAVE
ANY CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS TO THE OTHERS
WITH RESPECT TO THE MATTERS REFERRED TO
HEREIN.
Parties, herein referred to together as "Partners" or "Consortium", or individually as
"Partner" or "Member":
(a) City of Clearwater — Economic Development & Housing Department
(b) City of Clearwater Library System
(c) City of Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)
(d) Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce
(e) Florida Business Incubator, Inc.
(f) Florida Small Business Development Center (FSBDC) of Pinellas County
Economic Development
(g) Pinellas County SCORE
(h) Prospera (fka Hispanic Business Initiative Fund)
(i) Tampa Bay Black Business Investment Corporation
WHEREAS, Goal 4 of the City of Clearwater Economic Development Strategic Plan,
adopted in November 2011, supports and encourages an entrepreneurship and
innovation ecosystem and collaboration with regional partners to market Clearwater to
target industries; and
WHEREAS, the Urban Land Institute Advisory Services Panel Report issued in
September 2014 recommended 1) more active uses of the Clearwater Main Library, and
2) support to new entrepreneurial small businesses by investing in a technology
innovation center or business incubator; and
WHEREAS, the Partners have joined together to provide a range of programs,
services and facilities to support entrepreneurship, innovation and small business
development within the City of Clearwater; and
WHEREAS, "Clearwater Business SPARK" is the name given to this consortium as
a means to link together Partners for purposes of marketing and promotion of each
Partner's programs, services, and facilities; and
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants set forth herein, and
other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which are hereby acknowledged,
the Parties agree as follows:
Section 1. Spirit and Intent
(a) There is strong interest in the greater Clearwater community for new, small
business and entrepreneurial development programs. The Partners recognize
the strength and areas of expertise each Partner provides toward achieving the
shared goal of business vitality in Clearwater.
(b) There is a desire to work collaboratively and continuously to provide
entrepreneurs, innovators, creators and small business owners with a wide
variety of programs, services, education, networking opportunities, and flexible
workplaces and spaces. (By way of example, and not limitation, attached hereto
and incorporated herein as EXHIBIT "A")
(c) Comprehensive, integrated, and coordinated approaches to the delivery of
services to targeted clients are supported by policy, plan, and third party
consultants' studies of the City of Clearwater and the mission and vision of
Partner organizations.
Section 2. Roles and Responsibilities
(a) The Partners will work together to enhance and strengthen entrepreneurship and
to support needs of small businesses in Clearwater. The Partners will collectively
and individually:
i. Provide opportunities throughout the greater Clearwater area to build a
strong network of experts and mentors to engage and support business
development and incubation throughout the region.
ii. Host and/or participate in Clearwater Business SPARK events and meet -
ups in public spaces to encourage dialogue and to promote the culture of
innovation and entrepreneurship.
iii. Work together to develop a comprehensive mix of services and facility
offerings to support a broad range of pre -venture, startup and
small/medium size enterprises (SMEs).
iv. Promote the availability of Partner programs and services by adding
event, date and location to the Clearwater Business SPARK website
calendar of events.
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v. Provide on a quarterly basis relevant topics, success stories, or photos to
Clearwater Business SPARK program coordinator for use in social
media/email communications, publications, reports, presentations and
other forms of communication to promote the services and impacts of
Clearwater Business SPARK and its Partners.
vi. Provide to Program Coordinator such relevant data and information which
may include but is not limited to:
a) Number of attendees per event
b) Programs provided
c) Number of referrals made
d) Number of referrals received
e) Outcomes of referrals
f) Services provided
vii. Strive to adopt and adapt programs and services to meet the changing
needs of those seeking services.
viii. Jointly establish protocols, common intake processes, performance goals
and measures, and make appropriate referrals to program Partners,
facilities, or services.
ix. Provide appropriate training of staff who may from time to time engage
individuals who seek services provided by one or more of the Partners.
x. Provide referrals to Clearwater Business SPARK Partners, as appropriate
xi. Contact referred individual(s) within two (2) business days.
i. Provide written acknowledgement of same to referring Partner.
xii. Actively and continuously seek additional Partners to join Clearwater
Business SPARK as described in Section 6(c).
Section 3. Coordination
(a) At the onset, City of Clearwater will coordinate and facilitate committee meetings.
i. Executive Committee — Comprised of (1) representative appointed by
each Partner. Bi -monthly meetings (subject to change as the system
matures) to be held at a mutually convenient location to review the
ecosystem's operational performance and client services performance as
determined by the performance metrics established.
ii. At a time when Partners deem it necessary, the Executive Committee may
form a Services & Facilities Advisory Committee. Comprised of (1)
representative appointed by each Partner to evaluate current and future
program and facilities offerings. Meeting schedule, frequency and location
to be determined.
Section 4. Marketing and Client Recruitment
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(a) To provide multiple, yet seamless, points of entry into the system, the Partners
will actively promote a single brand identity and include this brand and/or logo in
collateral materials, in a prominent location on Partner website and other
communications as appropriate.
(b) Partners will assist in promoting Clearwater Business SPARK network events
and announcements through organizational channels and social media, as
appropriate.
(c) City of Clearwater Economic Development & Housing Department will manage
digital and print advertising and sponsored media contracts to market the
Clearwater Business SPARK and the programs provided by the Partners and be
primary network spokesperson.
Section 5. Programmatic Flexibility
(a) The Partners will provide a commitment to continual evaluation of programs and
services within the system to ensure client needs are met in a changing
environment.
(b) Once gaps in services are identified, the Partners will seek funding which may
include grants, sponsorships, or fees from appropriate sources including, but not
limited to, federal, state and local agencies, community stakeholders, and
attendees.
Section 6. Partners and Facilities
(a) Partners participating in Clearwater Business SPARK include:
i. Florida Business Incubator, Inc.
ii. Clearwater Main Library
iii. Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce
iv. Florida Small Business Development Center at Pinellas County at Pinellas
County Economic Development
v. City of Clearwater Economic Development and Housing Department
vi. City of Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)
vii. Pinellas County SCORE
viii. Prospera
ix. Tampa Bay Black Business Investment Corporation
(b) Current facilities where programs and services are provided include:
i. Clearwater Main Library and Clearwater Library System branch locations
ii. Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce
iii. FSBDC at the EpiCenter
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(c) From time to time, by majority vote, additional Partners and Facilities may be
added to Clearwater Business SPARK by written, executed addendum to this
MOU
(d) From time to time, by majority vote, the Executive Committee may remove a
Partner from Clearwater Business SPARK due to one or more of the following
conditions:
i. Failure to act in good faith as a representative of the Consortium;
ii. Failure to promote Partner events;
iii. Failure to promote Consortium events;
iv. Non -disclosure of relevant information affecting the network or the ability;
of a Partner to perform;
v. Inappropriate use of the Clearwater Business SPARK logo;
vi. Poor attendance at Executive Committee or Services & Facilities Advisory
Board meetings;
vii. Failure to respond in a timely manner to Partner or Program Coordinator
communications; or
viii.Violation of one or more of the requirements established in Section 2(a)i-
xii.
Section 7. Sustainability
(a) The Partners will convene annually to establish a work program, identify
resources necessary to sustain Clearwater Business SPARK and to prepare a
budget including in-kind and financial resources necessary to support marketing,
programs, and activities of Clearwater Business SPARK.
(b) The Partners will work together to achieve sustainability within five years of the
original date of this MOU (May 7, 2015) through fee-based and free programming
supported by sponsorships, in-kind services and grants which may be obtained
by a Partner, certain Partners or, together, the Consortium.
(c) During the initial five 5 -year period, it is anticipated the City of Clearwater
Economic Development & Housing Department will be the lead agency providing
program support and management.
(d) The City may consider financial support for marketing, services, programs and
facilities that are consistent with the Spirit and Intent (Section 1) of the MOU and
the work program established pursuant to Section 7(a).
(e) It is acknowledged that the City's financial participation will be considered as a
part of the annual budget process and that the request will be submitted annually
according to the budget schedule, and is subject to City Council approval.
(f) The other Partners may consider support of Clearwater Business SPARK with
the following:
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i. In-kind services and/or contracted support including, but not limited to,
facilities, programs, services and marketing such as 1) meeting and
conference space, 2) meeting and event coordination, 3) services such as
coaching, mentoring, and counseling, 4) access to speakers, trainers, and
subject -matter experts, 5) promotion and marketing of the consortium
through presentations, press releases, newsletters, social media and other
forms of communication.
Section 8. The Partners recognize the following as definitions of commonly used terms:
(a) Business Incubator
i. An organization designed to accelerate the growth and success of
entrepreneurial companies through an array of business support
resources and services that could include physical space, capital,
coaching, common services, and networking connections. The intent is to
help small companies in the incubator have a better chance of survival
throughout the start-up phase. Services may include, but are not limited
to: 1) office space (usually at a reduced rate); 2) office services (e.g.
receptionist, conference rooms, computers, office equipment, other); 3)
entrepreneurial advice and mentoring (e.g. establishing a web presence,
identifying intellectual property licensing opportunities, raising capital); 4)
business planning and market adjustment consulting; and 5) contacts and
networking providing access to experienced entrepreneurs, innovators
and professionals who can answer questions, provide guidance and
resources.
(b) Business Accelerator
i. Very similar to an incubator, but differs in that an accelerator usually has a
greater focus on companies entering or growing in a national or global
market. Business accelerators are more likely to be financed by venture
capitalists looking for an opportunity to finance growth potential through
defined action plans.
(c) Co -Worker Space
i. Co-worker space is an alternative way of working in which independent
professionals, telecommuters, and others with workplace flexibility share
one working environment, rather than work remotely in separate offices or
places. Co-workers typically do not need to work for the same employer or
even know each other to work together in a co -working environment. A co-
worker space is often a cafe -like collaboration space, gallery, or
productivity -enhancing multi -functional space, with the idea that individual
workers come together in a shared place to enjoy greater productivity and
a sense of community.
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(d) Makerspace
i. Makerspaces, also referred to as hackerspaces, hackspaces, and fablabs,
are creative, community -operated DIY spaces where people can gather to
create, invent, and learn often in the areas of computers, machining,
technology, science, digital or electronic art. Commonly used equipment
includes 3D printers, software, electronics, craft and hardware
supplies/tools.
(e) Pre -Venture Individuals
i. Pre -venture individuals, as defined by FSBDC, are those individuals
exploring business feasibility and seeking assistance with the
establishment of a new business. These individuals have no employees,
no sales and have not secured financing for their new venture.
(f) Start-up Businesses
i. Start-up businesses, as defined by FSBDC, are new businesses, but not
necessarily a new type of business, in business for less than three years.
Start-up businesses are defined by the length of time they have been in
business (established) and not by the size of their employment or
revenues. Start-up businesses are generally in the phase of development
with prospect for growth.
(g) Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs), as defined by FSBDC
i. Stage I - emerging businesses in business for three of more years with
fewer than five FTE (Full Time Employees) or less than $1 M in annual
sales revenue. Stage I SMEs are emerging businesses beyond the phase
of development with promise for growth in both employment and
revenues.
ii. Stage 11- established businesses that have been in -business for three or
more years and have five or more FTE employees and/or more than $1 M
in annual sales revenue. Stage II SMEs have demonstrated an ability to
generate significant revenue in their respective industry or market over an
extended period of time with the ability and capacity for continuous
growth.
Section 9. Acceptance
(a) The Partners agree to the spirit and intent of this memorandum of understanding
and believe it offers the Clearwater area with a new environment for
entrepreneurial and small business development and support.
(b) The Partners agree to strive to work together as described in Sections 1 through
7.
Section 10. Administration
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(a) For purposes of the administration of this agreement, the Clearwater City Council
hereby delegates authority to the City Manager or his designee, to administer,
evaluate, market, and seek funding for the program, and to adapt objectives,
services, partners and facilities by amendment to the MOU, as may be identified
for success of the program from time to time.
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AGREED AND ACCEPTED this J9 day
ofStrn'hAbsi, 2017.
Countersigned: CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA
6tto(lQ RCS t\Xt(of
George N. Cretekos
Mayor
Approved as to form:
Laura Lipowski Ma ony
Assistant City Attorney
By: L Aret .iw .1)1644"E)—LE
William B. Horne II
City Manager
Attest:
Rosemarie Cali
City Clerk
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First Amendment to MOU for Clearwater Business SPARK
Countersigned:
AGREED AND ACCEPTED:
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT
AGENCY OF THE CITY OF
CLEARWATER, FLORIDA
_ctto,tegcc�C�s
By:
Seth Taylor George N. Cretekos
Director
Approved as to form:
Attest:
Chairperson
Pamela K. Akin Rosemarie CaII
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By:
ti
AGREED AND ACCEPTED
By:
k.
AGRE = - D CCEP ED:
B
Carol Hag nt & CEO,
Clearwater - egio = l Chamber of
Commerce
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AGREED AND ACCEPTED:
By:
E . - ann, Executive Director, Florida
Business Incubator, LLC
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Pagc 13 of 17
AGREED AND ACCEPTED:
By: _ ) !:
Augusto Sanabria, President and CEO,
Prospera
[The rest of this page intentionally left blank.]
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AGREED AND ACCEPTED:
By:
Walter McCracken, Chapter Chair,
Pinellas County SCORE
[The rest of this page intentionally left blank.]
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AGREED I AC D:
1
EI`ow,
Alb-ee, Pr=,ident & CEO, Tampa Bay
Black Busines Investment Corporation
By:
(The rest of this page intentionally left blank]
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AGREED AND ACCEPTED:
By:
(The rest of is page in
297.
St. Petersburg College
ANNE M. COOPER, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
ant]
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EXHIBIT A
Educational Programs
Advocacy
Referrals
Promotion
Networking
MeetingSpace
Clearwater Business SPARK Network
Management & Marketing
Permitting & Site Location Assistance
ED Incentives
Free Database & Research Tools
Business Workshops
Makerspaces
Studio & Production Services
Computers & Printers
Training & Meeting Facilities
City
ED&H
FS BDC
Programs, Services & Facilities
identified are examples only and
not intended to represent all that
is to be provided by each Partner.
Business& Marketing Plan
Assistance
Business Consulting
Minority Certifications
Market Feasibility & Research
( G_E'i 3 ai E G r
City
Main
Library
Business Coaching & Mentorship
Educational Programs & Workshops
Business Loan Facilitation
Technical Grants
Importing & Exporting
Assistance
Educational Programs &
Workshops
Technology Development
Client Meeting Space
CRA Incentives & Programs
Downtown/Tech District Incentives&
Programs
Place making Activities
Roundtables
Educational Programs
Networking Opportunities
Prospera
SCORE Business Coaching/ Mentorship
Educational Programs & Workshops
Online Business Tools & Templates'
Educational Programs & Workshops
BusinessLoan Facilitation
Technical Grants
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