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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM REVIEW FORM |
4.D.
San Luis Economic Development Commission Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 07/16/2026
- Department Head:
- Armando Esparza
- Submitted By:
- Yigal Duarte, Economic Development Assistant, Economic Development
ITEM:
Discussion and possible action on any and all matters regarding proposed updates to the San Luis Business Incubator Program Policies and Procedures. (Armando Esparza, Director of Economic Development)
SUMMARY:
The City of San Luis is updating the San Luis Business Incubator Program Policies and Procedures to strengthen the incubator's role as an economic development tool, improve long-term sustainability, establish clear tenant selection criteria, and enhance support services for entrepreneurs and growing businesses.
BACKGROUND:
The San Luis Business Incubator was established to support entrepreneurship, business growth, job creation, and private investment within the City of San Luis. The incubator currently provides industrial and commercial space to businesses seeking to establish, expand, or formalize operations. Recent evaluations of the incubator identified opportunities to improve program structure, tenant selection processes, performance measurement, lease administration, and long-term financial sustainability.
In response, staff has developed proposed updates to the Business Incubator Program Policies and Procedures. Proposed revisions include establishing a structured three-year incubation program, implementing a graduated lease rate schedule, defining tenant eligibility requirements, creating a competitive application and evaluation process, formalizing business development curriculum requirements, and establishing performance-based occupancy standards.
DISCUSSION:
The Commission is requested to review the proposed policies and procedures and provide feedback to staff regarding:
BACKGROUND:
The San Luis Business Incubator was established to support entrepreneurship, business growth, job creation, and private investment within the City of San Luis. The incubator currently provides industrial and commercial space to businesses seeking to establish, expand, or formalize operations. Recent evaluations of the incubator identified opportunities to improve program structure, tenant selection processes, performance measurement, lease administration, and long-term financial sustainability.
In response, staff has developed proposed updates to the Business Incubator Program Policies and Procedures. Proposed revisions include establishing a structured three-year incubation program, implementing a graduated lease rate schedule, defining tenant eligibility requirements, creating a competitive application and evaluation process, formalizing business development curriculum requirements, and establishing performance-based occupancy standards.
DISCUSSION:
The Commission is requested to review the proposed policies and procedures and provide feedback to staff regarding:
- Overall program goals and objectives
- Proposed lease rate structure and sustainability considerations
- Tenant eligibility and selection criteria
- Business incubation curriculum and support services
- Graduation and transition policies
- Performance measures and program outcomes
- Partnerships and resources available to support entrepreneurs
- Any additional recommendations to strengthen the Business Incubator Program
RECOMMENDATION / SUGGESTED MOTION:
DISCUSSION ITEM ONLY, NO ACTION.
Attachments
- Proposed San Luis Business Incubator Program Policies and Procedures
- Final Business Incubator Assessment Report
- Current San Luis Business Incubator Manual
- Chapter 4. Economic Development Marketing and Attraction
- Chapter 5. Business Retention and Expansion