Statewide Programs and Activities
The Center works with the various Latino communities across the state in
implementing programs and activities which have widespread interest and impact.
Following are illustrative examples of statewide programs, services and
activities:
Statewide Networking
Successful networking is an important component that
propel both formal and informal interaction. The Latino Economic Development
Center is the vehicle by which community-based organizations involved in local
economic development activities can work out mutual needs. Both the formal and
informal nature of the network serves to enhance new relationships that
hopefully will mature into new patterns approaching community development.
Informational Database
A "one-stop" location where community based
organizations, public and private entities, can obtain information on wide
range of issues relating to community economic development issues, programs,
and initiatives.
Service Brokering
By providing informational linkages to experts in
different field of small business development and local community development
the Center expects to meet local demand for professional and technical
services. The Center will coordinate the services of volunteers in order to
provide community-based organizations with professional support conductive to
effective and efficient local effort.
Community Planning
The Center will provide community planning and
management assistance to community-based organizations interested in
strengthening private sector investment and targeting public sector investment.
A key product of community planning is the providing to technical assistance to
collaborating organizations in the development of commercial revitalization
strategies which encourage new enterprise formation.
Best Practices
The Center will, from time to time, examine those critical
factors which lead to successful small business development and create
opportunities for neighborhood and community economic development. These will
be documented and disseminated to member organizations.
MBE Promotion and Development
Working with such organizations as the Latino
Development Consortium and the Massachusetts Alliance for Small Contractors,
the Center will continue its work with business enterprises desiring to seek
contracting and procurement opportunities with local and state government
entities.
Public Relations and Advocacy
Working with local communities and
organizations in promoting greater social and economic investments in distress
neighborhoods.
Fundraising
Providing social marketing assistance to assist in fundraising
initiatives designed to promote the work of the Center on a local and statewide
basis.
Conferencing
The Center is expected to offer a conference on a yearly
basis. The purpose of the conference is to bring practitioners, small business
owners, community activist, public officials to discuss community economic
development issues. A major focus to the conference is to provide a linkage
mechanism for the Latino community in order to fully benefit from public and
private resources.