Markiea Carter, Director of the City’s Department of Community and Economic Development. To support them, the city rolled out a capital improvement grant program to help businesses with the high costs of building out their spaces, one of the biggest hurdles for local entrepreneurs, allowing business owners to focus their resources on operational expenses and workforce. Equity is a cornerstone of Cincinnati’s approach to economic development, especially in supporting minority-owned businesses. Mayor Pureval speaks to the barriers many minority and women entrepreneurs face when accessing capital and expertise.“Minority and women small business owners need capital and mentorship,” he explains. To meet this need, the city partnered with local organizations like the African American Chamber and the Urban League, contributing $3 million to the Lincoln and Gilbert Fund. Cincinnati’s tech ecosystem, which Mayor Pureval describes as “thriving,” is also a focus for the city’s development efforts. Black Tech Week, an annual Mayor Aftab Pureval shakes hands with Cincinnati sports fans as they gather to support local home team, the Bengals. Photo Credit: David Chimusoro 99 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 12 CINCINNATI, OH
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx