Detroit Means Business seeks companies in bid process to help elevate Detroit’s small businesses

Detroit Means Business, a coalition of private, public and philanthropic partners dedicated to advancing the success of Detroit's vibrant small business ecosystem, has announced a bid process for companies that can provide consulting and support services for entrepreneurs within the city.

In collaboration with its parent organization, the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC), Detroit Means Business is leading the charge to empower small businesses by providing tailored and comprehensive support for their professional needs. This Request for Quotations (RFQ) process seeks qualified businesses and professionals across multiple fields to deliver vital technical assistance services directly to Detroit-based small businesses.

"We are thrilled and eager to launch this RFQ process, which will be the first step in providing essential services for small businesses in Detroit. This initiative will also help to financially strengthen those selected to be technical assistance providers," said DMB President Dr. Marlo Rencher. "By connecting businesses with qualified experts across various fields, we are paving the way for growth, resilience and success in Detroit's small business ecosystem."

The RFQ encompasses six dynamic categories of service that address the specific needs of Detroit's small business community:

Accounting and financial education, advising and planning services: Unlock opportunities for small businesses by offering credit repair services, tax preparation, financial audits, grant writing and more.

Food-based business services: Revolutionize the food industry through business planning, product development, market analysis, regulatory compliance and innovative packaging and labeling solutions.

Digital strategy, marketing and branding services: Nurture a digital-first mindset among small businesses by providing website design and development, content creation, e-commerce strategies and data-driven digital marketing expertise.

High-growth technology and strategy: Propel businesses to new heights with pitch preparation, cutting-edge software and hardware development, cyber security consultation and guidance on manufacturing strategies.

Business operations, human resources and legal advising: Empower businesses through human resources services, expert business planning and consulting, legal services, and comprehensive construction, architecture and space-related services.

Construction, architecture and space-related services: Provide pre-construction services, project management, space planning and programming, product placement and displays, renderings and floor plans, site selection and construction budget development and revision.

This RFQ process permits interested technical assistance providers to submit responses for one or multiple service categories within a single submission. Each section will be evaluated independently, ensuring only the most qualified providers are selected for the program's participants.

“Detroit Means Business is poised to revolutionize small business support in Detroit through this game-changing RFQ process,” said Sean Gray, vice president of Small Business Services at the DEGC. “DMB continues to offer innovative programming that helps uplift the local economy and cement Detroit as a national leader in small business entrepreneurship.”

The RFQ submission process begins on Wednesday, July 26 at 5 p.m. and will remain open through June 30, 2024, with vendors selected to provide services to businesses on a rolling basis starting in early Fall 2023.

A pre-bid conference will be held Wednesday, July 26 at 2 p.m. via Zoom. To register for the conference and for more information on the RFQ process, please visit https://www.detroitmeansbusiness.org/dmbta.

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About Detroit Means Business (DMB):

Detroit Means Business is a coalition of private, public and philanthropic partners dedicated to meet the needs of Detroit’s small businesses. The coalition's primary objective is to provide Detroit-based small business owners with the resources and support to thrive. This includes access to financing, training, technical assistance and other resources.

About Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC):

Detroit Economic Growth Corporation is a non-profit organization that serves as Detroit’s lead implementing agency for business retention, attraction and economic development. DEGC is led by a board comprised of business, civic and community leaders. Its staff provides services for key public authorities that facilitate incentives and other forms of financing for projects that bring new jobs and investment to the City. DEGC also manages important initiatives to support small businesses and grow neighborhood commercial corridors. DEGC is dedicated to inclusive development and access to economic opportunity.