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CC - CONSENT ITEM: Award an In-Kind, Off-Cycle Special Events Grant in the Amount of $1,000 to Grid110 for a 2026 Holiday Marketplace Event and Designate the Event as City-Sponsored.
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Meeting Date: October 13, 2026
Contact Person/Dept: Edgar Varela/Economic and Cultural Development
Phone Number: (310) 253-5752
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Attachments: Yes [] No [X]
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (10/08/2026)
Department Approval: Adam Troy, Assistant City Manager (09/15/2026)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council award an in-kind, off-cycle special events grant in the amount of $1,000 to Grid110 for the 2026 Holiday Marketplace event and designate the event as City-sponsored.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
On September 14, 2026, Grid110 requested City Council agendized a request for an in-kind event sponsorship relative to their 2026 Holiday Marketplace event slated for December 5th, 2026 at One Culver. The event is open to the public.
GRID110 is an economic and community development nonprofit dedicated to creating clear pathways to success for early-stage entrepreneurs. Through their cohort-based accelerator programs, they provide founders with a growing community of fellow entrepreneurs, expert mentorship, and critical resources. Their mission is to build the most thriving, inviting, and inclusive community for entrepreneurs. Their work centers on individuals often overlooked by traditional startup ecosystems and create a more equitable, inclusive, and accessible entrepreneurial path.
Over the past 10 years and 31 cohorts, GRID110 has supported 567 founders across 407 companies - 68% women-led, 80% founders of color, and 13% LGBTQIA+ founders - spanning 40+ industries, along with thousands more entrepreneurs through free events and workshops.
Grid110’s 2026 Holiday Marketplace, is a community-focused initiative that will bring together approximately 40 emerging entrepreneurs and small businesses, giving them the opportunity to showcase their products and connect with the community. The event will occur at One Culver and potential sponsors include Cash App, Visa, Charles Schwab Bank, Relish, as well as other community partners. The event is slated for December 5th and will serve to compliment the City’s holiday marketplace in Town Plaza on the same day.
City Sponsorship
To be categorized as a “sponsored” event by the City, an event must meet the criteria set forth in City Council Policy No. 2502 (Special Event Grant Program), confirming that the City is (a) participating in an official capacity in the planning, preparation or promotion of the event or activity; and (b) contributing 25% of the total estimated costs of the civic event or activity or at least $1,000, whichever is less. This contribution may take the form of funds, labor, staff time, materials, a coverage of fees, or any combination thereof. The City may also consider approving an in-kind marketing sponsorship to help build awareness about the event. The Council Policy require both (a) and (b) conditions be satisfied.
The proposed event meets the criteria for City Sponsorship if the City Council approves a sponsorship of at least $1,000 as an in-kind marketing sponsorship. As a requirement of City sponsorship, the organizers must identify the City of Culver City as a sponsor in all promotional materials. In addition to the in-kind marketing, AI LA would like to use public space on Town Plaza and use a Culver City owned screen in coordination with Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS).
FISCAL ANALYSIS
There is no direct fiscal impact to the City. The request can be accommodated with current staffing resources relative to promotion of the event through the City’s marketing platforms and website.
ATTACHMENT
None.
recommended action
MOTION
That the City Council:
Award an in-kind, off-cycle special events grant in the amount of $1,000 for the 2026 Holiday Marketplace event and designate the event as City-sponsored.