pg. 1 The Economic & Community Development


[PDF]pg. 1 The Economic & Community Development...

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REQUEST FOR P ROPOSALS, 4.25.2018 FOCUS : MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW The Economic & Community Development Institute is an Ohio-based 501(c)(3) non-profit economic development organization founded in 2004, with offices in Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Akron, and a field office in Toledo. ECDI is the 3rd largest US SBA intermediary micro-lender and a U.S. Treasury designated Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). With an objective to “invest, educate and innovate,” ECDI’s one-stop shop of small business incubation programs cater to underserved entrepreneurs working in non-tech industries across their journey – from start-up, to expansion, to sustainability. In contrast to traditional lending institutes, ECDI provides intensive pre- and post-loan technical assistance provided through the life of the loan (up to 60 months) which includes capability and feasibility assessments, assessment of credit worthiness, assistance with credit issues, solidifying business plans, developing cash flow projections, and troubleshooting unforeseen challenges. This true partnership results in increased likelihood of success and minimizes default risk. It allows ECDI to lend to a target market that includes low-to-moderate (LMI) individuals, minority and refugee populations, women, those with little or no credit, and those unable to receive a loan from a traditional financial institution. It also enables ECDI to support Main Street businesses (traditionally considered riskier for banks) and smaller loan amounts (not lucrative for traditional lenders). In addition to the small business microloan program, programs and services include foundational financial literacy training, innovative microenterprise development training and capitalization programs, and business incubation services. Through these avenues, ECDI creates and retains jobs, builds human capital, grows the base of taxpaying citizens and businesses, and spurs local economic development. For more information, see www.ecdi.org. ECDI SEEKS M ARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS SUPPORT The Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI) is seeking Proposals for TWO unique marketing Opportunities.

OPPORTUNITY #1 ECDI recently unleashed two exciting program models that allow us to uniquely serve underserved entrepreneurs.  ECDI’s Capital for Construction Program addresses the unique financing, training and procurement needs of African America-owned, MBE construction subcontractors in Central Ohio (with plans to expand throughout the state).  The OH3C is a collaborative Initiative of four Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) which will target nine core city neighborhoods within Cincinnati (Walnut Hills, College Hill, Price Hill, Madisonville), Columbus (Franklinton, Southside), and Cleveland (Glenville, Slavic Village, Buckeye - Shaker). While our partners focus on real-estate, including the development of affordable housing, ECDI will work with small businesses within these neighborhoods to provide lending and technical assistance to spur small-scale commercial development. pg. 1

REQUEST FOR P ROPOSALS, 4.25.2018 FOCUS : MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS ECDI is seeking a Marketing and PR firm with targeted experience reaching low-to-moderate income (LMI) and minority individuals in Core City neighborhoods of Ohio. ECDI seeks a plan that includes grassroots methods blended with traditional ones that include print and digital media. The goal of this project is twofold: I. To increase LMI and minority entrepreneur client engagement in defined ECDI Programs. II. Through association with defined programs, brand ECDI in the community as the go-to resource for small business development services to “Main Street,” non-tech small businesses, combatting predatory lending, and serving those unable to access mainstream services (i.e., traditional lenders). Competitive proposals will concretely define how impact or ROI will be measured, and will include a minimal research phase upfront. Proposals should be sent to ECDI’s Vice President of Development, Tamar Forrest, via email to [email protected]. Please clearly state in the subject header which for opportunity you are seeking support.

OPPORTUNITY #2 ECDI is seeking strategic direction and support for ECDI Ohio general marketing operations. The goal of this opportunity is to: i. Create consistent messaging across ECDI programs and offices. ii. Brand ECDI in the community as the go-to resource for small business development services to “Main Street,” non-tech small businesses, combatting predatory lending, and serving those unable to access mainstream services (i.e., traditional lenders). iii. Increase targeted and culturally competent reach to the diverse entrepreneur cohorts served by ECDI. iv. Create client-focused resources and content that increase client engagement and satisfaction. ECDI is seeking comprehensive Marketing plans that include a) a revamp of ECDI’s website, both from a content and design standpoint; b) development of print and digital media, including press releases; c) storytelling and writing ECDI news content, posted to local blogs, websites, and publications, and captured via print/TV/radio outlets; d) social media support. ECDI Administrative and Development staff will support chosen contractor – e.g., creating first draft content, following the contractor’s strategic plan within the areas of social media and listserv development, and utilizing templates created by the contractor. Competitive proposals will concretely define how impact or ROI will be measured, and will include a minimal research phase upfront. Proposals should be sent to ECDI’s Vice President of Development, Tamar Forrest, via email to [email protected]. Please clearly state in the subject header which for opportunity you are seeking support.

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