Florida Department of Management Services



Research and Emerging Trends CommitteeMeeting MinutesMarch 15, 20162:00-3:00 p.m.Welcome & Introductions:IN ATTENDANCE: Chair Barbara Rhodes Melvin (First Florida Integrity Bank), Cheryl Gonzalez (University of North Florida), and Ray Spaulding (FAMU).From OSD: Hue Reynolds (Executive Director), Carmen Claudio (Administrative Assistant.) The minutes were recorded by Carmen Claudio. Members of the Public in attendance: NoneCall to Order: Chair Barbara Melvin conducted a roll call and established a quorum. The meeting was officially called to order at 2:05 p.m.Agenda: Barbara Melvin asked for any questions or changes to the agenda. Hearing no changes, the meeting proceeded. Old Business A. Access to CapitalB. Definition of Small BusinessChair Barbara Melvin called to order the first official meeting of the year for the Research and Emerging Trends Committee. She commented that it is difficult for small businesses to gain access to capital with the application process and the lack of information about programs available. She had asked for Karen Landry to attend today’s discussion, but was unable to confirm with her. She stated that entrepreneurs are constantly looking for loans or funding, but often times, they are not aware of how to apply through the SBA or other means.Cheryl Gonzalez asked if there was a way to determine which agency is responsible for advertising and promoting such activities. She will ask Hue Reynolds to get in touch with Enterprise Florida’s G-6 Group. She felt that MFMP is not currently being used for promotion on state related programs, and if there is a way that DMS can help promote these types of programs. There should be a mechanism that state services are available to small business owners – whether or not people subscribe to the G-6 group or Enterprise Florida. Ray Spaulding shared that through the GI Bill, they have created an organization to help small businesses that are veteran-owned. He will reach out to the VA executive director to get information on how to get small businesses up and running, including the resources available.Barbara Melvin asked how many loans have been given since the 2014 Micro Finance Act? Since DEO is involved with that particular program, she will check with DEO or Enterprise Florida on those statistics. She suggested that the Committee work with each of those entities to get the word out on the access to capital. Barbara also suggested that each member review Chapter 287 to determine what needs to be done, particularly as it relates to research and emerging trends. This will really help determine who has done what, and how we can approach this to clarify our efforts. Cheryl Gonzalez suggested that the May 4th face to face meeting may be an opportunity to discuss this item further. The next April meeting should focus on Chapter 287. The committee will forward to Hue Reynolds any information for her to share among the Council members. There was no public commentary at this meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 2:28 p.m.The next meeting is scheduled for April 19, 2016. ................
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