NC Rural Center

Buyer seeks a qualified consultant to conduct a comprehensive strategic assessment of their CDFI, Thread Capital, and inform decisions on redeploying available small business capital. The consultant will evaluate current lending operations, recommend strategies to enhance effectiveness, and provide guidance on redeploying approximately $60 million in small business capital. The assessment aims to maximize rural North Carolina impact and optimize the buyer's role in the state's capital access ecosystem.

• 8/1/2024 - Response to follow-up questions begins
• 8/15/2024 - Proposal Due Date
• 9/20/2024 - Final selection notification

• Extensive experience working with CDFIs, particularly in North Carolina
• Experience with CDFIs focused on small business micro loans
• Proven track record of conducting strategic assessments
• In-depth knowledge of small business challenges in rural communities
• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills

• Review and analyze current micro-lending program operations
• Engage with key constituents including board members and community partners
• Conduct market analysis of North Carolina's CDFI landscape
• Provide strategic recommendations for micro-lending program and capital redeployment
• Develop implementation plan with timeline and resource requirements
• Evaluate effectiveness of capital, coaching, and connection services
• Assess gaps in current landscape and identify partnership opportunities
• Provide guidance on implementing recommended strategies
• Facilitate working group of Rural Center's board of directors
• Analyze financial, operational, and market data relevant to the project