North Edge Seeking Proposals to Explore Business Growth in the Region

1. Project Overview

North Edge seeks proposals from qualified consultants, research firms, universities, or

interdisciplinary teams to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the barriers and

capacity gaps limiting business growth and expansion within Humboldt County.

The purpose of this project is to better understand the structural, financial, workforce, cultural, institutional, and operational factors that influence whether businesses in the

region are able—or willing—to grow, expand, hire, innovate, or remain competitive.

The study should identify the most significant constraints affecting businesses across

sectors and provide actionable recommendations for regional stakeholders,

policymakers, economic development organizations, educational institutions, lenders,

and community partners.

The final work product should help guide future investments, policy priorities, program development, and regional economic development strategies.

This project is a 2-3 month project with a $20,000 budget.

DOWNLOAD THE RFP HERE

2. Project Goals

The selected consultant will:

• Identify key barriers preventing businesses from starting, growing, scaling, hiring,

• investing, or innovating in the region

• Assess existing regional assets, support systems, and ecosystem strengths

• Analyze gaps in business support capacity and enabling infrastructure

• Evaluate both quantitative and qualitative factors influencing business growth

• Develop actionable recommendations to address identified barriers

3. Research Areas

Consultants should consider what processes could help answer the following questions:

• Why are firms not scaling locally?

• Which barriers most directly suppress job creation?

• Which industries have the greatest unrealized growth potential?

• Which constraints are locally solvable vs structural/statewide?

• How often are constraints cultural/personal vs. capacity limitations?

• What interventions would yield the highest regional economic impact?

Task 1: Project Initiation and Work Plan

Deliverables

• Final project work plan

Task 2: Existing Conditions and Data Review

Deliverables

• Existing conditions memorandum

• Summary of key baseline indicators

Task 3: Gap Analysis and Barrier Identification

Deliverables

• Barrier and capacity gap analysis

• Prioritization matrix

• Sector and geography comparisons

Task 4: Recommendations & Strategic Action Plan

Deliverables

• Draft recommendations framework

• Final strategic action plan

  
  

Task 5: Final Report

Deliverables

• Draft final report

• Final report

• Executive summary

4. Expected Methodologies

Proposals should include a mixed-methods research approach incorporating

quantitative and qualitative analysis.

5. Project Timeline

The anticipated project timeline is approximately 3 months

6. Coordination & Communication

The consultant will work closely with North Edge and designated project partners.

Expectations include:

• Monthly status updates (email or phone call is sufficient)

• Timely communication regarding project risks or delays

7. Required Consultant Qualifications

Proposals should demonstrate:

• Experience conducting economic development or regional capacity studies

• Experience with stakeholder engagement and facilitation

• Knowledge of rural and regional economic development

• Ability to analyze workforce, infrastructure, and business ecosystem issues

• Experience producing actionable policy and strategic recommendations

8. Required Proposal Contents

Proposals should include:

• Cover letter

• Firm/team overview

• Relevant project experience

• Proposed methodology

• Project work plan and timeline

• Team structure and resumes

• Budget and fee proposal

• References

• Sample work products (optional)

9. Budget

The proposal should include:

• Total project cost

• Detailed budget breakdown

• Optional/additional services

• Assumptions regarding travel, facilitation, or survey administration

10. Ownership of Work Products

All reports, data, materials, and work products produced under this contract shall

become the property of North Edge.

DOWNLOAD THE RFP HERE