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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM REVIEW FORM |
4.B.
San Luis Economic Development Commission Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 10/01/2025
- Department Head:
- Armando Esparza
- Submitted By:
- Yigal Duarte, Economic Development Assistant, Economic Development
ITEM:
Discussion on any and all matters regarding the development of a Small Business and Economic Development Program through the San Luis Business Incubator. (Armando Esparza, Director of Economic Development and Ruth Martinez, HdL Companies)
SUMMARY:
SUMMARY
The City of San Luis entered into an agreement with HdL Companies in August 2025 to support the operations and evaluation of the San Luis Business Incubator. As part of this process, the City is seeking input from the San Luis Economic Development Commission on how the incubator can best serve the local small business community. This includes feedback on tenant rates, program design, services offered, and partnerships that will strengthen entrepreneurial support in San Luis.
BACKGROUND:
The San Luis Business Incubator currently provides affordable space and limited support for small businesses. The City is exploring ways to enhance programming to better meet the needs of local entrepreneurs, including mentorship, training, access to capital, and specialized resources such as a potential commercial/industrial kitchen. Input from the Commission will help guide the development of a comprehensive program framework to be reviewed by the City Council.
DISCUSSION:
That the Commission review and discuss opportunities for strengthening the Business Incubator program, consider public input, and provide guidance to staff for the development of a program framework to be presented to the San Luis City Council.
The City of San Luis entered into an agreement with HdL Companies in August 2025 to support the operations and evaluation of the San Luis Business Incubator. As part of this process, the City is seeking input from the San Luis Economic Development Commission on how the incubator can best serve the local small business community. This includes feedback on tenant rates, program design, services offered, and partnerships that will strengthen entrepreneurial support in San Luis.
BACKGROUND:
The San Luis Business Incubator currently provides affordable space and limited support for small businesses. The City is exploring ways to enhance programming to better meet the needs of local entrepreneurs, including mentorship, training, access to capital, and specialized resources such as a potential commercial/industrial kitchen. Input from the Commission will help guide the development of a comprehensive program framework to be reviewed by the City Council.
DISCUSSION:
- Commission members are asked to provide input on:
- What are the most pressing needs of local small businesses and entrepreneurs?
- What services and resources should the incubator offer beyond affordable space (e.g., training, mentorship, capital access, networking)?
- Are current rates appropriate, or should they be adjusted based on business stage, time in program, or space type?
- What partnerships could enhance the incubator’s impact (e.g., Arizona Western College, lenders, chambers, SBDC)?
- How should success be measured (e.g., jobs created, business survival, revenue growth, capital raised, graduation rates)?
That the Commission review and discuss opportunities for strengthening the Business Incubator program, consider public input, and provide guidance to staff for the development of a program framework to be presented to the San Luis City Council.
RECOMMENDATION / SUGGESTED MOTION:
DISCUSSION ITEM ONLY, NO ACTION NEEDED.