Small Business Technical Assistance for Marketing, Finance, Compliance, and Risk Management

Background
The City of Greenville's Neighborhood and Business Services Department is seeking proposals from qualified consulting firms to provide technical assistance to small business owners. This initiative aims to enhance the marketing and digital presence, financial management, regulatory compliance for employees, and risk management of small businesses within the city limits or its extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ).

The program is designed to support eligible businesses that are independently owned and operated, have five or fewer locations, and employ 25 or fewer individuals, with gross sales not exceeding $500,000.

Work Details
The awarded consultant will provide business development consulting services focusing on four key areas:

1) Marketing and Digital Presence - including creating customized marketing plans, branding, content creation, advertising campaigns (both digital and traditional), and implementing SEO best practices;

2) Financial Literacy and Management - providing educational materials on financial management best practices, budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and cost management;

3) Regulatory Compliance for Employees - conducting audits of compliance status, identifying risks, and assisting in policy development;

4) Risk Management - performing risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and developing mitigation strategies. The goal is to enroll a minimum of eight eligible small businesses in this program over a twelve-month period.

Period of Performance
The contract will be performed over a twelve-month period following the award notification on September 3, 2025.

Place of Performance
The services will be provided within the city limits of Greenville or its extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ).

Bidder Requirements
Proposals must comply with the City of Greenville's Minority and Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) Program goals of 4% participation for both MBE and WBE firms. Proposers must also be certified with the North Carolina Secretary of State to conduct business if required.