Steven Coker CBI is tasked with taking the priority of business inclusion and tying it together with city contracting. In the Charlotte Business Inclusion program... a core component of what we do is outreach, engagement and being able to service the constituent community with capacity building measures as well as opportunities to learn about contracts. We're working specifically on a contractor development program, a program that's committed to helping contractors obtain construction bonding as well as capital access or access to capital. Kevin Dick Bonding is really important, particularly for contractors in the construction trades. It really is a significant barrier, especially to small businesses that are looking to gain contracts with larger contractors who are doing business with the city. Councilmember James Mitchell I love the effort, I love the staff, I love all the input. With a great reputation like Kevin Dick and what he's doing with Carolina Development Small Business, it is a great combination of two entities who DNA is about helping small businesses. Zahn Patin We're really excited to be a part of this particular program because this has been one of the biggest barriers for minorities to be able to do work on public projects is getting access to capital bonding and insurance services. Kevin Dick For Carolina Small Business Development Fund, it means a great deal because the pillars of our work are about small business, financial capital, coaching and passing the research work about how small businesses are affecting the economy. So whenever we get to participate in a program like this, it just enables us to strengthen relationships with small businesses in the Charlotte market and beyond. Councilmember James Mitchell I think when you're talking about win, win, win... this is a great example is when public policy citizens and a great project all come together. We got so many winners on all fronts. I think the kickoff meeting with just a success. I think we had over 85 small businesses here. And the comments I heard was, thank you, thank you. Zahn Patin This is a big part of history for the state, so we're excited to be a part of it. Councilmember James Mitchell This is a game changer.