Orange County NC Website
7 <br /> Slide #11 <br /> 91 <br /> Iwo Pteme. + + + <br /> EC 41Y nNl:PE'!E {IP HEfJT [I v1114RY MR <br /> Commissioner Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if businesses that are established can get help with <br /> strategic planning and growth. <br /> Kristen Smith Young said that SBTDC is the best resource for established businesses. <br /> She said it is housed at UNC-Chapel Hill. She said that Innovate Carolina is where all of the <br /> economic development resources are housed and that their website has a lot of information <br /> available. She said LAUNCH Chapel Hill and Studio are also great resources. <br /> Commissioner Greene thanked the board for including the agricultural food processing <br /> grants. She also wished Kristen Smith Young a happy birthday. <br /> Kristen Smith Young said they had pie at their retreat to celebrate. She said that Jane at <br /> Ramblewood Farm hosted the Board for one of their meetings. <br /> Chair Bedford asked if they have had more success with diversity and Black farmers <br /> receiving grants. <br /> Kristen Smith Young said that the Small Business Committee has prioritized marketing <br /> opportunities to BIPOC businesses. She said they have also included that discussion during the <br /> grant process. She said they were fortunate to have Shameka Fairbanks to come speak with them <br /> about an equity goal and being better about marketing to BIPOC businesses for these <br /> opportunities. <br /> Commissioner Richards said she requested that SizeUp include a designation that allows <br /> people to search for BIPOC businesses. <br /> Amanda Garner, Assistant Economic Development Director, said they are pulling data <br /> sources for integrating with what they have. <br /> Commissioner Richards said the tool is amazing, but it would be great to have one place. <br /> She said if it can do basic things it would be helpful. <br /> Sharon Hill of the Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau said it is an agency funded <br /> by hotel occupancy taxes. She said that the tourism revenues are nearing 2019 levels. She said <br /> most dollars go to food and beverage establishments. She said visitor spending in 2012 was as <br /> follows: <br />