Council approves funding agreement to support Akron Urban League entrepreneur center, citing loans and revenue figures

Akron City Council on July 21 placed and passed an ordinance authorizing contracts with the Akron Community Service Center and the Akron Urban League to provide support for the Akron Urban League Entrepreneur Empowerment Center.

Councilman Fusco presented the measure and asked for suspension of the rules so the item could be acted on immediately. The council agreed to suspend the rules and approved the committee’s favorable report. The transcript records the ordinance passing 12 to 0.

Council comments during the presentation highlighted program performance metrics. A committee speaker said the Akron Urban League provided $189,000 in loans and grants in 2024 and that those financial supports helped participating small businesses secure $2,200,000 in contracts; 83 businesses earned certifications. The presenter also said the partnership with the Western Reserve Community Fund has generated $10,300,000 in total business revenue since inception.

Why it matters: The ordinance authorizes city support and payment to organizations that the committee credited with helping small businesses obtain financing, certifications and contracts. The council’s immediate suspension of rules allowed the council to expedite the funding agreement at the July 21 meeting.

Discussion and outcome: The committee report was favorable and council voted to suspend the rules; a roll-call result recorded on the record shows the ordinance passed 12 to 0. The transcript does not detail contract dollar amounts to be paid by the city in this item; the item was described as authorizing contracts and payments, and the committee urged council support to continue the Urban League’s work.