File #: RS2022-1395    Name:
Type: Resolution Status: Passed
File created: 2/8/2022 In control: Rules, Confirmations, and Public Elections Committee
On agenda: 2/15/2022 Final action: 2/15/2022
Title: A resolution in support of the establishment of a Fisk University Business Incubation and Innovation Center and in support of establishing a steering committee to guide its development and solicit community input.
Sponsors: Sharon Hurt, Freddie OConnell, Joy Styles, Burkley Allen, Kyonzte Toombs, Zulfat Suara, Jennifer Gamble, Robert Swope, Sean Parker, Brett Withers, Emily Benedict, Nancy VanReece, Tonya Hancock, Zach Young, Larry Hagar, Erin Evans, Kevin Rhoten, Jeff Syracuse, Ginny Welsch, Tom Cash, Mary Carolyn Roberts, Brandon Taylor, Gloria Hausser, Thom Druffel, Courtney Johnston, Bob Nash, Tanaka Vercher, Sandra Sepulveda, John Rutherford, Antoinette Lee, Angie Henderson, Dave Rosenberg
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A resolution in support of the establishment of a Fisk University Business Incubation and Innovation Center and in support of establishing a steering committee to guide its development and solicit community input.

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WHEREAS, Fisk University is a private, historically black university that serves as the oldest institution of higher learning in Nashville, Tennessee. Founded in 1866, Fisk University has fostered a legacy of graduates who have distinguished themselves as beacons of community service, national and international leadership, and scholarship in multiple academic fields; and

WHEREAS, with a 40-acre campus listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Fisk University is not only a treasured jewel within Nashville's community of distinguished colleges and universities, it has long served North Nashville as a vital cultural hub, community resource, and gathering space; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of Fisk University's crucial role in the North Nashville community, the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County has proposed the establishment of a Fisk University Business Incubation and Innovation Center, envisioned as a non-profit business and economic development center fostering public/private partnerships and providing multi-disciplinary services including business incubation services, entrepreneurial assistance, small business development, financial literacy assistance, educational assistance, and startup resources for Fisk students/faculty and the North Nashville business community; and

WHEREAS, development of the Business Incubation and Innovation Center will further Fisk University's role as an important business and innovation hub in North Nashville, creating a sense of economic opportunity and further inspiring the community-led revitalization of North Nashville and its vibrant neighborhoods. By expanding opportunities for startups and entrepreneurial innovation with much-needed local business and educational services...

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