Introduction
The Equity for Every Entrepreneur (E3) Durham program employs a community-centered model that reduces the cost of doing business for Durham entrepreneurs. Local navigators — trusted advisors who have extensive relationships in the community — provide guidance to enrolled entrepreneurs at no-cost.
Overview
Forward Cities, in strategic partnership with NC IDEA, is excited to announce an opportunity for a dynamic Program Designer/Instructor to spearhead the LevTech Accelerator. This pivotal accelerator program aims to equip existing small business owners with the tools and knowledge necessary to effectively incorporate advanced technologies into their operations. By expanding market reach, enhancing operational efficiencies, and boosting customer engagement through technological solutions, the LevTech Accelerator seeks to catalyze significant business transformations.
Program Description & Goals
LevTech would train, equip, and provide limited professional service implementation for existing small businesses seeking to leverage technology to accomplish one of the following goals:
- expand their market reach by adding e-commerce to a current brick-and-mortar
- pivot a business model from brick-and-mortar to online or SAAS (software as a service)
- develop and launch a new technology-based product or service
- improve customer service, engagement, and/or spend per transaction
- improve operational efficiency for their company/staff
There will be two accelerator cohorts of seven enrolled entrepreneurs each. Each cohort will follow a fourth-month schedule. Over the course of each cohort, entrepreneurs should participate in weekly in-person learning sessions, receive 1-on-1 coaching (combination of in-person and virtual), engage in peer mentoring sessions, and will receive up to $3,000 of professional services/software from technologists that Forward Cities will be contracting to deliver prorated services through E3 Durham. Each participant will also receive 15 day passes for Provident1898 Co-working Community that can be used during their program period.
Each participant will set 1-3 of the following program goals: Business Model Transformation, Revenue Growth, Market Expansion, Operational Efficiency, Increased Customer Engagement, Team Technology Adoption. The curriculum and direct support provided by the instructor should be aligned to help participants achieve their designated goals.
Program Impact
The following metrics below will be captured via pre/post surveys and program records. The Forward Cities team will conduct the evaluation.
Participation Metrics
- # of participants who successfully complete the training. Goal: 12
- 70% of cohort members attend all scheduled cohort meetings
- 70% of cohort members attend all scheduled 1:1 meetings with program staff and/technical service providers
Impact Metrics
Custom metrics will be set for each cohort participant based on their individualized goals.
- Business Model Transformation: # of cohort businesses reporting that successfully pivot their business model or integrate new technology. Goal: 8
- Revenue Growth: $ increase in revenue 1 year post-program compared to pre-program for each participating business. Goal: 10%
- Market Expansion: # of cohort businesses that expand their market reach successfully through e-commerce or other technology-based solutions. Goal: 12
- Operational Efficiency: $ reduction in operational costs or time spent on business processes post-intervention. Goal: 20%
- Customer Engagement: % Increases in customer engagement metrics such as repeat customer rate, customer satisfaction scores, and average spend per transaction. Goal: 10%
- Technology Adoption: % of cohort members who report they have learned/integrated new technology(ies). Goal: 75%
Program Timeline
September 2024 - December 2024
- Forward Cities develops and implements participant recruitment strategy
- Contractor develops curriculum and plans support services
- Forward Cities works with contractor to refine curriculum/calendar
- Forward Cities and the contractor review, select, and announce Cohort 1 participants
January 2025 - March 2025
- Cohort 1 launches
- Contractor provides monitoring and support
- Forward Cities develops program evaluation
April 2025 - June 2025
- Cohort 1 wraps
- Celebration of Cohort 1 graduates at the monthly E3 Durham networking event.
- Forward Cities and contractor conduct internal program debrief
- Contractor make program/curriculum updates based on Cohort 1 evaluation and internal debrief
- Forward Cities conducts recruitment for for Cohort 2
- Forward Cities and the contractor review, select, and announce Cohort 1 participants
July 2025 - October 2025
- Cohort 2 launches
- Contractor provides monitoring and support
- Cohort 2 wraps
- Celebration of Cohort 1 graduates at the monthly E3 Durham networking event.
- Forward Cities and contractor conduct internal program debrief
- Contractor make program/curriculum updates based on Cohort 1 evaluation and internal debrief
November 2025
- Forward Cities conduct final program evaluation and analysis
- Contract completes final program report and key learnings
- Forward Cities complete and submit final grant report
Scope of Services
The contracted Program Designer/Instructor will undertake a multifaceted role encompassing the development and execution of an educational curriculum tailored specifically for entrepreneurs at the forefront of technology integration and business model innovation. Key responsibilities will include:
- Curriculum Development: Crafting a detailed, engaging, and practical curriculum that addresses the core objectives of the LevTech Accelerator. The curriculum should be designed to empower entrepreneurs with the skills and insights needed to harness technology for business growth and efficiency.
- Session Facilitation: Leading weekly in-person learning sessions that promote active participation and real-world application of concepts. The Program Designer/Instructor will also provide personalized one-on-one coaching to help entrepreneurs meet their specific business goals.
- Program Coordination: Managing logistical elements of the program including scheduling, resource allocation, and participant engagement to ensure a seamless and productive learning environment.
- Support and Guidance: Actively working with each participant to set ambitious yet achievable goals, and providing the support needed to realize these objectives throughout the program’s duration.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Implementing a robust framework for monitoring progress and evaluating the impact of the program on participants’ businesses. This includes regular reporting to Forward Cities and all relevant stakeholders.
Deliverables
The Program Designer/Instructor is expected to deliver the following:
- Program Design Document: A comprehensive document detailing the curriculum, instructional strategies, and resource requirements.
- Facilitation of Two Cohorts: Effective delivery of the program across two cohorts, each comprising seven entrepreneurs over four months - with primary activity taking place in the E3 Durham Center location.
- Impact and Evaluation Reports: Detailed reports capturing the outcomes of the program, including quantitative and qualitative analysis of participant progress, learnings and recommendations for future iterations of the program.
Budget
The total allocated budget for the Program Designer/Instructor role is $38,000 over a 15-month performance period. Payment installments will be made monthly in arrears for the prior quarter and will be based on completion of outlined deliverables.
Proposal Requirements
Prospective candidates are invited to submit proposals that include the following and should be no longer than 10 pages.
- Detailed Curriculum Plan: An outline showcasing the curriculum's structure, key learning objectives, and innovative teaching methodologies.
- Experience Profile: Documentation of prior experience and success in similar program design and instructional roles, particularly those involving technology and entrepreneurship education.
- Timeline and Availability: A timeline that aligns with the program’s milestones and deadlines, confirming the candidate’s availability to commit to the program’s schedule - with consistent engagement in the E3 Durham Center located in downtown Durham NC.
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be assessed based on the following criteria:
- Relevance and Creativity of Curriculum: How well the proposed curriculum meets the program’s goals and introduces innovative learning approaches.
- Expertise and Proven Impact: Demonstrated success in similar roles and the ability to deliver measurable business improvements through education.
- Overall Value and Feasibility of the Proposal: The proposal’s overall alignment with the program’s objectives and its feasibility within the given budget and timeframe.
Timeline & Submission Details
- Deadline for Proposals: The deadline has been extended and proposals must be submitted by 11:59 PM on Sunday, September 15, 2024.
- Submission: Proposals should be submitted by completing the form HERE.
Inquiries
For any questions not covered in this document, please reach out to Magalie Yacinthe at myacinthe@forwardcities.org.
We eagerly anticipate your innovative proposals and are excited about the potential to collaborate on this transformative initiative. Together, we aim to enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Durham through this strategic educational endeavor.
Forward Cities provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Introduction
The Equity for Every Entrepreneur (E3) Durham program employs a community-centered model that reduces the cost of doing business for Durham entrepreneurs. Local navigators — trusted advisors who have extensive relationships in the community — provide guidance to enrolled entrepreneurs at no-cost.
E3 Durham features a "Learn to Earn" (L2E) model where entrepreneurs can accumulate entrepreneurial education and network connection ‘credits’ that can be used to procure up to $2,000 in subsidized professional services from local Business-to-Business (B2B) service providers.
E3 Durham is seeking qualified Specialty Consultants and Professional Service Providers to participate in the "Learn-to-Earn" (L2E) program. This initiative aims to support Durham entrepreneurs by providing them with subsidized professional services, enhancing their ability to launch and grow successful businesses.
Requirements for Submission
Applicants will be required to provide the following information in their application:
- Business Profile: Detailed information about the business and service area.
- Qualifications and Experience: Evidence of relevant professional qualifications and experience in the field.
- Work Product Samples: Samples of previous work, if applicable.
- Referrals: Contact information for at least three professional references.
- Service Offerings and Rates: Detailed description of services and deliverables for fixed price points of $300, $700, and $1,000.
Selection Criteria
- Expertise and Relevance: Depth and relevance of skills and experience to the E3 Durham L2E program needs.
- Quality of Submission: Clarity and comprehensiveness of the RFQ response.
- Value of Service Offerings: Competitiveness of the service offering in terms of cost and scope.
- Availability: Sufficient time and capacity to engage with clients within the program’s timelines.
- Geographic Location: Must currently and have a history of providing services to entrepreneurs in the Durham County area.
Contracting and Payment Terms
Selected providers will be contracted on a project basis with payment terms set at Net 30. Payments will be processed monthly based on services completed in the prior month.
Timeline and Submission Details
- Virtual Q&A Session: July 31st, 5:30 PM EST
- Application Deadline: Monday, August 5th, 5:00 PM EST
Scope of Services & Submission of Application(s)
Consultants and Service Providers will offer expert guidance in specific areas including, but not limited to the following. You will need to submit a separate application for each service category. There is no limitation to the number of categories you can apply for, but we will seek to curate and provide opportunities to a diverse group of local providers.
Speciality Business Consulting | Apply Here
Can include, but is not limited to the following services:
- Sector-specific consulting
- Legacy/succession planning
- MWBE certification preparation
Finance | Apply Here
Can include, but is not limited to the following services:
- Loan/Grant application support
- Accounting or bookkeeping
- Budget development/forecasting
- Tax preparation
Marketing & Sales | Apply Here
Can include, but is not limited to the following services:
- Market research
- Logo and brand development
- Website design
- Social media
- Marketing strategy and plans
- E-Commerce
Technology | Apply Here
Can include, but is not limited to the following services:
- Software development
- Technology integration
- Artificial intelligence
- Web development
Legal | Apply Here
Can include, but is not limited to the following services:
- Business Entity establishment
- Contract preparation and review
Product Development | Apply Here
Can include, but is not limited to the following services:
- Minimal Viable Product (MVP) development
- Prototype development
Operations | Apply Here
Can include, but is not limited to the following services:
- Office and/or co-working space
- Makerspace with specialty equipment
- Commercial real estate acquisition
- Human resources/recruitment
Professional Capacity Building | Apply Here
Can include, but is not limited to the following services:
- Organizational development
- Professional Organization/Association Membership
- Executive coaching
Inquiries
E3 Durham appreciates your interest in contributing to the entrepreneurial success in our community and looks forward to your submission. Resources from the July 31st Info Session are provided below to address frequently asked questions. If you have any additional questions, please email Jacinta Walker at e3durham@forwardcities.org.
Applications close Monday, August 5th, 5:00 PM EST.
Forward Cities provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Overview
The E3 (Equity for Every Entrepreneur) Durham program is designed to increase connectivity, counseling services, and capital access for underrepresented entrepreneurs in Durham/Durham County, NC. The Business Navigator will provide basic business counseling services to clients and connect them with partner organizations to meet their business development needs. This role reports to the E3 Durham Program Director and will be part of a cross-functional team in support of E3 Durham - a 24-month program.
Functions and Responsibilities
Business Counseling, Client Navigation, & Community Outreach
- Thoroughly review incoming intake applications on a daily basis and respond within 2 business days via entrepreneurs' preferred method of contact;
- Maintaining, tracking, and updating the client relationship management system (SourceLink) within 2 business days of serving clients according to the navigation protocols;
- Conducting regular follow-up contact with clients to help them gain access to resources and troubleshoot as needed;
- Maintaining regular contact with program partners to ensure timely services are provided and records of services provided are submitted;
- Maintaining a Calendly account for scheduling and tracking Google meet and phone appointments with entrepreneurs;
- Collaborating with Program Director and ecosystem partners to identify key events focused on aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners;
- Hosting tables at events that are suitable for E3 Durham client recruitment with optimal returns
E3 Durham Event Support
- Attending and supporting E3 Durham events;
- Hosting the E3 Durham info table at events;
- Enrolling new clients on site
Navigation Leadership
- Developing a deep understanding of and familiarity with local, regional, and capital resources for various sectors and stages of business development for the E3 Durham project;
- Building and maintaining a library of national and local online resources to support clients;
- Creating a decision tree-style referral strategy that is informed by both internal and external stakeholders;
- Coordinating client assignments and outreach activities with contract or part-time Navigators and Outreach Specialists and ensuring timely record keeping for these members of the team;
- Supporting additional Navigators and incoming partners with SourceLink training and any additional Navigator-specific training provided by Forward Cities;
- Updating Navigation protocols and referral decision tree as needed
Program Strategy Support
- Collaborating with the Program Director and the Senior Director of Impact and Assessment to support the E3 Durham Needs Assessment;
- Serving as a thought partner on strategy and decisions that impact ecosystem navigation and processes, and service/programming/offerings to entrepreneurs and the organizations serving them;
- Leading the development capital and procurement readiness tools
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have:
- 2+ years of providing business support services;
- A friendly, approachable demeanor, and stellar interpersonal skills to build trusting relationships with clients and business support providers;
- A strong understanding of the wide range of specific issues encountered during all stages of business development (i.e., idea → maturity) including access to business capital, procurement processes, and business certifications for MWBE;
- Lived experience as an entrepreneur/business owner;
- A keen attention to detail and commitment to service documentation;
- Demonstrated experience as a highly collaborative team player;
- Existing relationships and trust within the Durham community among predominantly Black, Hispanic, Indigenous, and/or immigrant business communities;
- A history of community involvement in Durham, NC;
- A demonstrated commitment to the mission and work of Forward Cities;
- The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment;
- Spanish-speaking a plus
Work Location & Expectations
The full-time position is based in Durham, NC with standard work hours from 9am - 5pm, Monday - Friday, with flexible work time for attending required events during the evenings and weekends. This position requires in-office presence Tuesday - Thursday in Forward Cities’ Durham office. Mondays and Fridays may generally be worked remotely.
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $50,000 - 60,000 annually in addition to benefits including health insurance, 403(b) Plan matching, paid time off, and paid holidays. The anticipated start date for this position is May 2024.
Applications closed April 28th, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST.
Forward Cities provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.