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Small Business Advisory Board
Duties
Develop a cooperative and supportive atmosphere on behalf of the small business community in its relationship with the City of San Diego. Act as an ombudsman to open a channel of communication between the City of San Diego and its relationship with small business owners on specific problems or requests for information and assistance. Initiate a review of procedural requirements and existing laws to determine if they are conducive to a small business owner seeking to do business with the City. Review private sector performance ability and recommend potential transfer of functions performed by City forces to private enterprise. Serve as an advocate of the small business community and advise the Mayor, City Council and City Manager on relevant issues, and formulation of laws, policies, or procedures which may affect the management, operation or financial stability of the small business owner. Encourage private sector leadership and application of expertise and resources for public benefit. Monitor the growth or decline of small businesses with the City of San Diego and identify trends responsible for their success or failure. Perform other studies and surveys on the status of small business as may be specifically requested by the Mayor, Council or City Manager and provide information and advise thereon. Schedule at least one widely-publicized meeting each year, wherein members of the small business community shall be invited to participate in Advisory Board discussions. Report annually to the Mayor and City Council on the “State of Small Business” within the City of San Diego.
Appointment
Members shall be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council. Terms of not more than six members shall expire in any year. The expiration date of all terms shall be July 1. The Board shall select from among its members a Chairperson. The Board shall meet not less than once every three (3) months and present a report to the Mayor and Council on an annual basis. The Mayor shall appoint one member of the Council to serve as liaison to the Board and one other member of the Council as an alternate. When filling a future Board vacancy, the City shall seek recommendations from the sitting members of the Board regarding the background needed by candidates for the appointment in order to provide a breadth of representation reflective of the small business community in the City.
Term
Members shall serve two (2) year terms and each member shall serve until a successor is duly appointed and confirmed.
Composition
Board shall consist of eleven (11) members including one representative from each of the following groups: Small Business Administration District Director or designated representative; President of the Business Improvement District Council or designated representative. Nine (9) remaining appointees may include, but are not limited to, representatives of the following areas of interest and expertise: Small business owners; Accounting, financial-lending, legal or economic backgrounds; Advocates of small business interests with governmental agencies.
Governed By
San Diego Municipal Code, Section 26.06(PDF). Board established by Ordinance 0-15776 NS(PDF) on 07/19/82. Amended by Ordinance 0-16088 NS(PF) on 12/05/83. Amended by Ordinance 0-18787 NS(PDF) on 04/10/00. Amended by Ordinance 0-19028 NS(PDF) on 01/28/02.