RFQ | Specialty Consultants and Professional Service Providers

July 16, 2024

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:

  1. Business Profile: Detailed information about the business and service area.
  2. Qualifications and Experience: Evidence of relevant professional qualifications and experience in the field.
  3. Work Product Samples: Samples of previous work, if applicable.
  4. Referrals: Contact information for at least three professional references.
  5. Service Offerings and Rates: Detailed description of services and deliverables for fixed price points of $300, $700, and $1,000.

 

Selection Criteria

  1. Expertise and Relevance: Depth and relevance of skills and experience to the E3 Durham L2E program needs.
  2. Quality of Submission: Clarity and comprehensiveness of the RFQ response.
  3. Value of Service Offerings: Competitiveness of the service offering in terms of cost and scope.
  4. Availability: Sufficient time and capacity to engage with clients within the program’s timelines.
  5. 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.

 

More on E3 Durham

 

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