Ready, Set, Rhody Business Outreach & Engagement

Rhode Island Commerce Corporation

Buyer is seeking one or more qualified vendors to conduct direct outreach to small businesses in Rhode Island communities vulnerable to climate-related flooding. The selected vendor(s) will distribute resilience materials, support survey response gathering, and facilitate conversations about flood preparedness. This initiative is part of the Ready, Set, Rhody project funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration's FY23 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program. The work aims to ensure small businesses receive equitable access to vital climate resilience information.

• 6/26/2025 - Question submission deadline
• 6/30/2025 - Response to questions posted
• 7/7/2025 - Proposal Due Date
• 12/31/2025 - Project completion deadline

• Proven experience engaging with small businesses, especially in underserved communities
• Experience participating in multi-agency or community-led meetings and initiatives
• Skilled in communicating technical information in accessible language
• Ability to manage multiple outreach activities and produce timely reports

• Conduct direct, face-to-face outreach to small businesses in flood-vulnerable communities
• Distribute climate resilience toolkits and guidance documents provided by the Corporation
• Support response gathering for the Corporation's online resiliency survey
• Provide weekly/biweekly progress summaries including number and addresses of businesses engaged
• Track and participate in relevant stakeholder meetings and events
• Develop a detailed outreach plan and timeline for engagement activities
• Communicate technical information in accessible language to small business owners
• Target high-risk and high-vulnerability areas statewide
• Facilitate meaningful conversations about flood preparedness
• Submit a final report summarizing outreach activities and recommendations