What types of assistance do the Community Navigators provide?
The Community Navigators offer one-on-one coaching, business classes, and application assistance for grants and resources. Examples of topics for one-on-one coaching and business classes include:
- Strategic planning
- Disaster recovery and resiliency best practices
- Financial guidance like credit counseling and financial literacy
- Business planning
- Strategic marketing and communications
Is this registration available in multiple languages?
Yes. This registration is available in English, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), French, Hindi, Korean, Spanish, and Vietnamese. If you need the application in another language, please contact ATXrecovers@austintexas.gov. The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request.
How were Community Navigators selected?
The Economic Development Department selected third-party partners for this program through a competitive Request for Applicants process between September and October 2021.
Is there a cost for services provided through the Community Navigator Program?
No. The services are delivered to registrants at no cost.
How are registrants assigned to a Community Navigator?
Registrants can indicate their preference for a specific Community Navigator during the registration process. If a registrant does not have a preferred Community Navigator, then the Economic Development Department will assign a registrant based on the registrant’s needs noted during the registration process.
What are the next steps after I submit my registration information?
If you selected a specific Community Navigator to work with, they will reach out via phone or email within the next three business days to set up your next meeting. If you did not select a specific Community Navigator one will be assigned to you based on your needs, and they will reach out to you via phone or email within the next three business days.
Is my information subject to open records laws?
The information registrants provide is processed by the City of Austin’s administrator (third-party administrator or in-house) for the purposes of determining eligibility for the program. Third-parties are contractually obligated not to use this information for any other purpose. The information the registrant provides is also subject to the provisions of the Texas Public Information Act and might be released to the public through a Public Information Request in accordance with Chapter 552 of the Government Code. In the event any registrant information is being requested through a Public Information Request, the City will notify the registrant to give an opportunity to object to the disclosure of information. Please contact the City of Austin Economic Development Department at EDD@austintexas.gov or 512-974-7819 if you have questions regarding this notice.
Will I get confirmation that my registration has been received?
Yes. Registrants will receive a confirmation email at the email address provided in the registration.
Can a registrant apply for more than one service?
Yes. A registrant can apply for one or more services offered through the Community Navigator Program. Registrants will be able to select their preferred service(s) through the registration process.