Council committee advances contract to fund Akron Urban League small‑business assistance

The Planning and Economic Development Committee placed on the consent agenda an ordinance authorizing contracts with Akron Community Service Center and the Akron Urban League (operating as Akron Urban League) to support the Akron Urban League’s Entrepreneur Empowerment Center and small‑business assistance programs.

Susie Moore, who spoke to the committee, described the Urban League’s business assistance offerings—technical assistance, guidance for securing capital, counseling, and training—and highlighted outcomes presented to the committee. She told the committee that, in 2024, local entrepreneurs who worked with Urban League programming realized $189,000 in loans and grants and $2,200,000 in contracts won; she also said 83 businesses earned certifications. Moore said the Urban League’s partnership with the Western Reserve Community Fund has produced additional contract activity and that the city has supported similar work historically.

Committee members reacted positively to the results and moved the item to suspend the rules and to place it on the consent agenda for council action.

Next steps

The ordinance was recommended for suspension of rules and approval on the consent agenda; staff said the contracts will outline program responsibilities and funding levels to support small‑business technical assistance and capital access programs.