Program Facilitator - BUILD Academy Foundations Track - Fall Cohort

Background

The City of Little Rock, Arkansas, is seeking qualified businesses to provide facilitation services for the BUILD Academy Foundations Track, aimed at supporting early-stage entrepreneurs. This initiative is part of the city's expanded BUILD Academy model developed through the National League of Cities Southern Cities Economic Inclusion Initiative (SCEI). The program's goal is to equip participants with essential business education and support to establish a sustainable foundation for their businesses.

Work Details

The selected facilitator will deliver a twelve-week in-person cohort that includes structured, engaging, and hands-on sessions. Responsibilities include: - Utilizing the BUILD Academy Foundations Track workbook as the primary instructional guide. - Ensuring content is accessible to beginner-level entrepreneurs. - Facilitating instruction aligned with priorities such as business formation, planning, financial fundamentals, bankability, and market access. - Providing real-time feedback on participant work and guiding them through their business plan completion. - Collaborating with SBDO staff and integrating guest speakers into sessions. - Supporting participants in achieving outcomes such as completion of a business plan and improved financial readiness.

Period of Performance

The contract will be for twelve weeks from September through November 2026, with the option to renew for five additional cohorts.

Place of Performance

In-person sessions will be held at Willie Hinton Neighborhood Resource Center, 3805 West 12th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204.

Bidder Requirements

Bidders must have a valid business license to operate in Arkansas and submit a signed copy of the Combined Certification for Contracting with the City of Little Rock form. Additionally, bidders should demonstrate experience working with early-stage entrepreneurs and possess strong knowledge of business planning and financial fundamentals.