Seeking Specialty Contractor Proposals (RFP)

Graphic - Unique Opportunity to help Maine's Small BusinessesThe Maine SBDC is launching a robust program through September 30, 2021, to offer assistance to businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will develop and enhance SBDC business advising and training and will focus on the recovery and relaunch of small businesses in Maine. As part of this initiative, Maine SBDC will integrate resources for Maine entrepreneurs to accelerate their ability to recover, relaunch, or start fresh. The initiative will take a team-focused approach to rapidly connect and coordinate resources that will work together to help owners recover and relaunch their small business.

WE HAVE CLOSED OUR APPLICATION. WE ARE REVIEWING CURRENT PROPOSALS.

E-Commerce Consultant

Who Are We Seeking?

We are seeking a professional, flexible, and detail-oriented e-commerce expert to serve as a contractor to support these efforts. This individual will work alongside Maine SBDC business advisors to enhance SBDC client e-commerce presence. This would include guiding small business owners in areas such as:

  • Getting started or improving client website
  • Getting started or improving e-commerce efforts
  • Using various platforms sell online
  • Setting shipping and returns policies
  • Inventory management with e-commerce
  • Using digital analytics to improve e-commerce strategy

Demonstrated, hands-on experience in these areas is required.

We will involve contractors in two ways:

  1. Business Advising: One-on-one advising for business owners to offer individualized support. We expect most advising will be delivered via on-line platform or phone and scheduled according to individual client availability. Contractors will be paid up to $75 per hour depending on experience for approximately 20 hours a week.
  2. Education and/or Training: Developing and delivering dynamic, engaging training with practical, applicable take-aways for Maine business owners. Training will be delivered via web-based platform. We expect training events will be from 60 to 75 Contractors will be paid $250 per seminar.

This contractor position is limited-term and will be available through September 2021. The contractor must have availability during normal business hours.

Contractors Expectations
Contractors must ensure all advising and training is relevant to Maine businesses and the business environment. All contractors hired for the Maine SBDC Recovery & Relaunch Program are acting as independent contractors working on behalf of the Maine SBDC Network. You will be expected to maintain all required client information and documentation, and ensure all communication exchanged with clients is maintained with strict confidentiality. Contractors must sign a conflict of interest and confidentiality agreement as part of any contract. The Contractor or Consultant agrees to abide by all applicable provisions of Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR200).

The contractor must have Professional Liability Insurance.

Digital Marketing Consultant

Who Are We Seeking?

We are seeking a professional, flexible, and detail-oriented digital marketing expert to serve as a contractor to support these efforts. This individual will work alongside Maine SBDC business advisors to enhance SBDC client digital marketing presence. This would include guiding small business owners in areas such as:

  • Getting started or improving client web presence
  • Getting started or improving e-commerce efforts
  • Getting started or utilizing social media, e-mail and related marketing efforts
  • Using digital analytics to improve marketing strategy

Demonstrated, hands-on experience in these areas is required.

We will involve contractors in two ways:

  1. Business Advising: One-on-one advising for business owners to offer individualized support. We expect most advising will be delivered via on-line platform or phone and scheduled according to individual client availability. Contractors will be paid up to $75 per hour depending on experience for approximately 20 hours a week.
  2. Education and/or Training: Developing and delivering dynamic, engaging training with practical, applicable take-aways for Maine business owners. Training will be delivered via web-based platform. We expect training events will be from 60 to 75 Contractors will be paid $250 per seminar.

This contractor position is limited-term and will be available through September 2021. Contractor must have availability during normal business hours.

Contractors Expectations
Contractors must ensure all advising and training is relevant to Maine businesses and business environment. All contractors hired for the Maine SBDC Recovery & Relaunch Program are acting as independent contractors working on behalf of the Maine SBDC Network. You will be expected to maintain all required client information and documentation, and ensure all communication exchanged with clients is maintained with strict confidentiality. Contractors must sign a conflict of interest and confidentiality agreement as part of any contract. The Contractor or Consultant agrees to abide by all applicable provisions of Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR200).

The contractor must have Professional Liability Insurance.

Accounting & bookkeeping Consultant

Who Are We Seeking?

We are seeking a professional, flexible, and detail-oriented accounting and bookkeeping expert to serve as a contractor to support these efforts. This individual will work alongside Maine SBDC business advisors to enhance SBDC client recordkeeping and financial management. This would include guiding small business owners in areas such as:

  • Forgiveness, utilization and recordkeeping for recent disaster relief programs
  • Understanding tax implications related to recent disaster programs
  • Developing financial projections and budgets
  • Assisting clients to set up financial records
  • Have familiarity with Quickbooks and other widely used accounting software

Demonstrated, hands-on experience in these areas is required. A CPA is highly desired.

We will involve contractors in two ways:

  1. Business Advising: One-on-one advising for business owners to offer individualized support. We expect most advising will be delivered via on-line platform or phone and scheduled according to individual client availability. Contractors will be paid up to $70 per hour depending on experience for approximately 20 hours a week.
  2. Education and/or Training: Developing and delivering dynamic, engaging training with practical, applicable take-aways for Maine business owners. Training will be delivered via web-based platform. We expect training events will be from 60 to 75 Contractors will be paid $250 per seminar.

This contractor position is limited-term and will be available through September 2021. Contractor must have availability during normal business hours.

Contractors Expectations
Contractors must ensure all advising and training is relevant to Maine businesses and business environment. All contractors hired for the Maine SBDC Recovery & Relaunch Program are acting as independent contractors working on behalf of the Maine SBDC Network. You will be expected to maintain all required client information and documentation, and ensure all communication exchanged with clients is maintained with strict confidentiality. Contractors must sign a conflict of interest and confidentiality agreement as part of any contract. The Contractor or Consultant agrees to abide by all applicable provisions of Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR200).

The Contractor must have Professional Liability Insurance.