APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED MODIFICATION TO THE COMMERCIAL GRANT INCENTIVE PROGRAM EVALUATION MATRIX

THE RBCRA STAFF IS REQUESTING RECOMMENDATIONS AND APPROVAL TO IMPROVE AND ENHANCE THE COMMERCIAL GRANT INCENTIVE PROGRAM EVALUATION MATRIX. THE SCORING MATRIX IS USED TO EVALUATE, SCORE AND RANK THE SUBMISSIONS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES IN THE CRA DISTRICT SEEKING GRANT ASSISTANCE TO COMPLETE EXTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PROPERTY AND OR BUILDING IN WHICH THE BUSINESS IS LOCATED.

IN FEBRUARY OF 2017 THE BOARD PROVIDED APPROVAL TO INITIATE THE COMMERCIAL GRANT INCENTIVE PROGRAM ALONG WITH THE PROGRAM DESCRIPTION, PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS, SELECTION CRITERIA AND EVALUATION SCORING MATRIX. SINCE THEN, THE AGENCY HAS SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THREE ROUNDS OF EVALUATIONS UTILIZING THE EXISTING MATRIX.

AT THE FEBRUARY 12, 2020, BOARD MEETING, THE BOARD EXPRESSED ITS DESIRE TO SEE CHANGES MADE TO THE SCORING MATRIX IN SEVERAL AREAS:

·         INDUSTRY IMPACT- WHICH PROVIDES ADDITIONAL POINTS TO BUSINESS FUNCTIONS IN SEVERAL KEY AREAS: EX HEALTHY FOODS OPTION, HEALTH CARE, RETAIL, EDUCATION, MARINE INDUSTRY AND GREEN INDUSTRY.

·         BUSINESS SIZE- SCORING FAVORING BUSINESS WITH AN EMPLOYEE SIZE OF FOUR OR MORE.

·         SCORING MATRIX- MODIFYING THE SCORING MATRIX TO ENCOURAGE UNIFORMITY AND CLARITY.

·         NEW BUSINESS VS., EXISTING BUSINESS- REMOVING THE DISTINCTIONS IN SCORING THAT COULD POSSIBLY FAVOR A NEW BUSINESS VS AN EXISTING BUSINESS.