OEWD Request for Proposals (RFP) 236 Application

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Welcome

This is the online application form for OEWD Request for Proposals (RFP) #236.

All fields marked by an asterisk (*) are mandatory; enter ) or N/A if not applicable.

The application allows the ability to save progress and resume later.

When ready to submit the final application, press the “Submit” button located on the last page. A message will indicate if any errors need to be corrected before final submission.

Applications will not be accepted after the deadline.

Helpful information is available on the RFP 236 website.

For technical support, attend a Technical Assistance Session (held online via Zoom) or email oewd.procurement@sfgov.org for support.

Primary Point of Contact for this Application

Please provide contact information for the primary point of contact for this application. This person should be authorized to clarify programmatic and budgetary questions on behalf of the Primary Applicant. Award notifications will be sent to this email address.

Primary Point of Contact Name

Primary Point of Contact Title

Primary Point of Contact Email Address

Part I. Primary Applicant Profile

In this section, provide all organizational contact information. Note that if you are a fiscal agent, you will need to complete an applicant profile for both your organization and your subgrantee.

The Primary Applicant is the organization or firm that will hold the contractual obligation with the City.
If you are applying as the fiscal agent for another entity, your application must also identify a Program Lead, which is the entity delivering services.

If you are applying as the fiscal agent for another entity, please include your information here and list information on the Program Lead in the next section.

Primary Applicant

Primary Applicant Official Business Name

Doing Business As (DBA) or Also Known As (AKA), if applicable

Primary Applicant Address

Street Address	City
State	Zip Code
Website	Main Telephone Number

Primary Applicant Executive Director / CEO Information

Executive Director / CEO Name

Executive Director / CEO Email Address

Executive Director / CEO Title

Executive Director / CEO Telephone Number

Primary Applicant Type of Entity

Note: Some program areas within this procurement require the Primary Applicant to be a nonprofit public benefit corporation. Please review the program area table, starting on page 10 of the RFP, to confirm whether your firm is eligible to apply.

Select all that apply:

Community Benefit DistrictEducational InstitutionFor-profit Corporation/LLCNonprofit - 501(c)(3)Nonprofit - 501(c)(4)Nonprofit - 501(c)(6)Sole Proprietor

Primary Applicant City & County of San Francisco Supplier Status

All applicants must be able to become an approved City Supplier within ten days of notice of an award in order to begin contract negotiation. For more details, please visit https://sfcitypartner.sfgov.org/

Current status:

Approved SupplierApproved BidderNot a current San Francisco registered Bidder or Supplier

Supplier Number (e.g. 00000#####):

Bidder Number (e.g. B00000#####)

Please list your Employer Identification Number (EIN), also known as your Tax ID. If you do not know this number, you may look it up here: https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/

Part I. Primary Applicant Profile (continued)

Primary Applicant Organizational Staffing and Board Composition

Organizational Chart

Upload Primary Applicant's Organizational Chart (no specific template provided).

Executive Director Tenure

How many years has your Executive Director/CEO been in this role?

Years

Months

Total Number of Full Time Equivalent (FTE) Employees

Enter the number of FTE for the whole organization, not just the program being proposed. Your FTE number may be different from the total number of people on your payroll.

Number of Governing Board Members

Enter the number of Board members, excluding Emeritus/Advisory members.

Current Board Members

The Board of Directors should include San Francisco residents and/or members with knowledge of the needs of low and moderate income San Franciscans from the target neighborhoods/populations described in the RFP. Fiscal sponsors should only list governing Board members; Program Lead organizations can also list Advisory Board members, if applicable. "Job or Relevant Experience" can include lived experience, neighborhood knowledge and demographic information as well as professional experience. Select "Add another response" to create an entry for each member of the Board of Directors.

Board Member Details

Board Member Name

Years/Months on the Board

Home Neighborhood (or City/State if outside San Francisco)

Job or Relevant Experience

Board Recruitment

If you are in the process of recruiting new Board members, please describe any efforts to ensure a diverse and equitable Board that aligns with the community being served. (1000 character limit)

Total Number of Volunteers

Enter the total number of volunteers for the organization. Exclude Board Members counted above.

Part I. Primary Applicant Profile (continued)

Primary Applicant Organizational Budget Information

List the total organizational budget amount for the Primary Applicant for the last completed fiscal year. Please note this is different than the budget for the proposed project.

Upload the Primary Applicant's total organizational budget for the last completed fiscal year (use your own format; no template provided).

Part I. Primary Applicant Profile (continued)

Program Lead Profile

If you are applying as a fiscal agent for another entity who will deliver the proposed services, you will use this section to complete an applicant profile for your subgrantee Program Lead.

The Primary Applicant is the organization or firm that will hold the contractual obligation with the City.
If you are applying as the fiscal agent for another entity, your application must also identify a Program Lead, which is the entity delivering services.

Is the Primary Applicant serving only as the fiscal agent for a different Program Lead organization which is actually delivering the proposed services?

Yes, Primary Applicant is the fiscal agent for a different Program Lead (provide Program Lead profile)No, Primary Applicant is the Program Lead (no Program Lead profile needed)

Program Lead

Provide details for the Program Lead (only if the Primary Applicant is acting solely as the Fiscal Agent on behalf of a separate Program Lead organization).

Program Lead

Program Lead Official Business Name

Program Lead Address

Street Address	City
State	Zip Code
Website	Main Telephone Number

Program Lead Executive Director / CEO Information

Program Lead Executive Director / CEO Name

Program Lead Executive Director / CEO Email Address

Program Lead Executive Director / CEO Title

Program Lead Executive Director / CEO Telephone Number

Program Lead Type of Entity

Note: Some program sections are limited to specific applicant types. Please refer to your specific program section for information on eligible entities.

Select all that apply:

NonprofitFor-profitCommunity Benefit District (CBD)Business Improvement District (BID)Educational InstitutionIndividual / Sole ProprietorOther

Other (please describe):

Program Lead City & County of San Francisco Supplier Status

Only the Primary Applicant needs to be a City Supplier, however, if your Program Lead is also a Supplier, please provide details below.

Current status:

Approved SupplierApproved BidderNot a current San Francisco registered Bidder or Supplier

Supplier Number (e.g. 00000#####):

Bidder Number (e.g. B00000#####)

Program Lead Organizational Staffing and Board Composition

Organizational Chart

Upload Program Lead's Organizational Chart (no specific template provided).

Executive Director Tenure

How many years has your Executive Director/CEO been in this role?

Years

Months

Total Number of Full Time Equivalent (FTE) Employees

Enter the number of FTE for the whole organization, not just the program being proposed. Your FTE number may be different from the total number of people on your payroll.

Number of Governing Board Members

Enter the number of Board members, excluding Emeritus/Advisory members.

Current Board Members

Board Member Details

Board Member Name

Years/Months on the Board

Home Neighborhood (or City/State if outside San Francisco)

Job or Relevant Experience

Board Recruitment

If you are in the process of recruiting new Board members, please describe any efforts to ensure a diverse and equitable Board that aligns with the community being served. (500 character limit)

Total Number of Volunteers

Enter the total number of volunteers for the organization. Exclude Board Members counted above.

Program Lead Organizational Budget Information

List the total organizational budget amount for the Program Lead for the last completed fiscal year (only required if the Primary Applicant is serving only as a Fiscal Agent). Please note this is different than the budget for the proposed project .

Upload Program Lead's total organizational budget for the last completed fiscal year (use your own format; no template provided).

Program Area

From the list below, please check one box indicating the program area for this proposal. Proposers may seek funding in more than one area, however, a separate application must be filed for each funding area that the applicant wishes to provide services for. Check only one area.

Program Area List: Select one

Area A - SF Live Arts and Culture Website/Platform and CampaignArea B - SF Music Week and Related Music IndustryArea C - Skills-Based Volunteer MatchingArea D - Access to Loan Capital Small Business Technical AssistanceArea E - American Indican Cultural Corridor Economic Vitality - 16th & MissionArea F - Bayview Third Street Cultural Economy Entrepreneur Fellows ProgramArea G - Castro CaresArea H - Commercial Corridor Custom Attraction ActivationsArea I - Jane Warner PlazaArea J - Neighborhood Commercial Corridor Economic VitalityArea K - ScaleUp SF Financial Coaching and Loan Assistance for Small BusinessesArea L - ScaleUp SF Legal & Leasing Assistance for Small Businesses Area M - Western Addition Commercial Kitchen ProgramArea N - Small Business Grant Payment SupportArea O - Manufactured Legacy Business Brushed-Aluminum Plaques

Part II. Project Description - Introduction

In preparing your proposal, please address all questions in response to the scope of work. Pay particular attention to and address in full; minimum qualifications, preferred qualifications, and any program area-specific questions. Proposals are evaluated based on clarity, substance and measurable results.

Introduction: Title and Summary

Please indicate the Project Title and provide a brief (1-2 sentence) summary of the Project.

Project Title (100 character limit)

Brief summary of proposed project (1-2 sentences; 350 character limit)

Neighborhood(s) of focus
Multi-select field. To select more than one neighborhood hold down Ctrl on your keyboard while you select each neighborhood

Other Target Neighborhood(s)

Part II. Project Description - Section 1

Section 1: Applicant Qualifications and Staff Assignments (30 points)

This section should briefly address the principal objectives of the proposed project, and establish the applicant’s professional qualifications and the experience of proposed partners, sub-contractors and staff. The applicant should detail past experience and track record implementing projects similar to the proposed activities. The applicant should provide an overview of staff assignments. Details may include how staff will be accessible and available to individuals and/or organizations receiving services, the relevant experience of staff members, and the distribution of workload within the project team. This section should further note how the project team demonstrates a thorough understanding of the economic, social, financial, institutional or other issues that require a solution as well as indicators of community support.

1. Briefly describe your organizations mission, values, and history providing services to residents and businesses in San Francisco. (2,000 character limit)

2. Describe any past experience successfully implementing similar projects or activities, including grants or contracts with the City of San Francisco or other funders. You may include details on active/ongoing projects as well as prior/completed projects. Please be sure to highlight successful outcomes for the target populations or neighborhoods in the program area. (Limit: 3,000 characters)

3. Describe your staffing plan for the proposed project. (Limit: 4,000 characters).
Please answer all of the following in this section:

a. List the names, titles and qualifications of staff, partners, and subcontractors that will make up the project team. If you do not have a person identified yet (e.g. if you have a vacant position), please provide information on the status of the hiring process.

b. How will work be distributed within the project team?

c. Are there any specific cultural, linguistic, educational or other skills that will help the project team deliver the proposed project?

4. Describe the target populations you primarily serve, your experience serving them, and key needs you hope to address with this funding. (Limit: 4,000 characters). Highlight the economic, social, financial, institutional or other issues that require a solution. Please also share any work you have done with the relevant communities to confirm that this proposed project is appropriate and necessary. Examples may include:

a. Surveys or focus groups with community members

b. Organizing or advocacy efforts with community members

c. Research or review of data and best practices serving the target populations

5. Applicants must be a formalized Cultural District; a Community Benefit District with an assessment budget of less than $1,000,000; or a nonprofit in partnership with one of the organizations listed below (please include an MOU or letter of partnership with the proposal).

Based on the above criteria, the following Cultural Districts (CD) and Community Benefit Districts (CBD) are eligible to apply:

Castro LGBTQ Cultural District Leather LGBTQ Cultural District SOMA Pilipinas Cultural District Sunset Chinese Cultural District Japantown Cultural District Pacific Islander Cultural District Transgender Cultural District Noe Valley Community Benefit District Excelsior Community Benefit District Japantown Community Benefit District Ocean Ave Community Benefit District Castro Community Benefit District Discover Polk Community Benefit District Other

MOU or Letter of Partnership

Part II. Project Description

Section 2: Approach, Activities and Outcomes (50 points)

This section should outline a plan of action that describes in sufficient detail the specific scope of services applicant(s) propose and how the proposed work will be accomplished. The plan should address all functions and activities for which applicants seek funds. Cite factors that might accelerate or decelerate work, explain rationales for strategies selected, and describe any unique or unusual features of the proposed project, such as design or technological innovations, cost or time saving strategies, or methods to increase engagement of targeted stakeholders in services. Include and make clear the organizations, cooperating entities, consultants or key individuals who will work on the proposed activities, with a brief description of their contributions and qualifications.

You will also address required Supplementary Questions in this section.

1. Clearly state your approach to the project. (Limit: 4,000 characters). Provide detailed goals and objectives, and describe any evidence-based practices that inform your project design.

2. Describe the services to be provided. (Limit: 4,000 characters) For each service component, provide detail on the following, as appropriate: types of activities; number of hours; frequency of services; location(s) of services; and methods that will be used to deliver services.

3. Describe the qualitative and quantitative outcomes your project proposes to achieve. (Limit: 3,000 characters). Provide projections of the accomplishments to be achieved for each activity or function proposed, such as the number of activities or steps to be accomplished or number of individuals or businesses to be served. If accomplishments cannot be quantified, list them in chronological order to show a sequence of steps and their projected start and end dates.

4. Provide a project timeline. (Limit: 4,000 characters) Please include all major milestones and target dates, as appropriate. Describe any factors that might speed or hinder implementation of the project, and explain how you will manage unanticipated project hurdles, should they arise.

5. Describe your expertise serving demographic and geographical areas of focus where appropriate, or as required by the program area. (Limit: 2,000 characters) Describe specific outreach or engagement strategies that you will use to reach target populations identified in the RFP.

Part II. Project Description

Section 3: Performance Measurement and Reporting (10 points)

For this section, provide a narrative – limited to 6,000 characters – describing the following:

• How data on project activities and outcomes will be collected and reported.

• Measures that will be developed and/or used to determine the extent to which the project has achieved its stated objectives.

• How data will be used to determine whether the needs identified are being met and whether project results are being achieved.

• Any processes and procedures that are or will be in place to determine whether the project is being conducted in a manner consistent with the work plan and how effectiveness and efficiency will be improved.

• How the outcomes proposed and measured will demonstrate positive impact based on the Scope of Work outlined within the program area.

Part II. Project Description

Section 4: Financial Management and Budget (10 points)

Please provide a brief narrative - limited to 6,000 characters - detailing the financial management of the Primary Applicant organization. In this section, you should respond to the following, as applicable:

• Describe the key features of your organization’s financial tracking system and confirm it is capable of generating all financial information needed for required reports, including data needed to monitor, evaluate and if necessary, modify program performance.

• Describe in detail any cost allocation plan utilized when costs are chargeable to more than one cost category, or to more than one program and/or funding source.

• If proposing a management fee/fiscal fee, identify the amount as well as how the requested percentage was identified.

• Provide a narrative justification for items in the budget. Note, if the program area you are applying to includes the possibility of a multi-year grant award, please share any major budget changes (above 10% for any individual line item) that you expect to incur in future program years.

• Provide details on any matching or leveraged funds including anticipated source, amount, and restrictions. Although not required, matching funds are encouraged.

Note: In addition to your written narrative (limited to 6,000 characters), make sure to upload a proposed budget for the project using the budget template available on the RFP 236 website ("Attachment B").

Total Proposed Project Budget Amount - The amount of funding requested from OEWD for this proposed project.

Attachment B: Budget Template - Upload the budget for your proposed project using the Excel template provided. No other budget formats or file types will be accepted.

Part II. Project Description

Section 5: Supplementary Questions (50 points)

In addition to the core proposal narrative, applicants may be required to respond to supplementary questions specific to the Program Area, funding source requirements, target population, service model, or strategic priorities of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD). Supplementary questions are intended to provide reviewers with additional information necessary to evaluate specialized programmatic elements, organizational readiness, partnerships, compliance considerations, and alignment with the goals of the solicitation.

Depending on the Program Area, supplementary questions may be structured in one of the following ways:

• Five (5) supplementary questions worth ten (10) points each, totaling fifty (50) points; or

• Ten (10) supplementary questions worth five (5) points each, totaling fifty (50) points.

For Program Areas that do not include supplementary questions, the fifty (50) supplementary question points will be automatically awarded to all responsive proposals. In these cases, applicants will not be required to submit additional responses beyond the core proposal narrative requirements identified within the Program Area.

Supplementary questions may vary by Program Area and may assess topics including, but not limited to:

• Past performance and demonstrated outcomes;

• Experience serving the identified target population;

• Industry-specific or technical expertise;

• Partnerships and collaboration strategies;

• Equity-centered service delivery approaches;

• Fiscal and operational readiness;

• Data collection, reporting, and performance tracking capacity; and/or
• Employer engagement and workforce placement strategies;

Program Area A: SF LIVE Arts and Culture Website/Platform and Campaign (Professional Services Contract)

Please respond to any additional Supplementary Questions and Attachments as required by the Program Area. (Limit: 3,000 characters for each question, with upload buttons to match the number of files required)

1. Please describe your experience producing arts, culture, and/or entertainment marketing campaigns. Cite any metrics useful in understanding the impact of these campaigns?

2. What is your experience maintaining a website including a calendar of arts, culture, and/or entertainment events? Please describe the web site and calendar platforms/technologies with which you are familiar.

3. Please describe your familiarity with the audience-development needs of San Francisco arts, culture, and entertainment businesses and organizations.

4. How have you worked with arts businesses and organizations to develop marketing campaigns that reflect their work?

5. Looking at the existing SFLIVE.art web site and Instagram account, describe at least one strategy you would pursue to increase engagement with this web site and/or marketing campaign.

Program Area B: SF Music and Related Music Industry Programming (Grant)

Please respond to any additional Supplementary Questions and Attachments as required by the Program Area. (Limit: 3,000 characters for each question, with upload buttons to match the number of files required)

1. What are the current needs and opportunities facing the San Francisco music ecosystem? How do you know?

2. What is your experience producing a conference, festival, or event to support a local creative industry? Please identify any experience you have producing an event to support San Francisco music industry development.

3. Did you attend SF Music Week 2025 or 2026? Based on your attendance at or after reviewing the schedule of SF Music Week 2026 events (available at sfmusicweek.org), how would you improve upon prior installments to more effectively serve the San Francisco music industry?

4. In addition to an annual SF Music Week convening, how would you propose to support music industry development through year-round programming? Describe how this programming would support the local music industry.

5. How would you approach developing a strategy for SF Music Week's long-term financial sustainability without solely relying on city support? Please describe your ability to identify and secure additional non-governmental funding to support the execution of these activities.

Program Area C: Skills Based Volunteer Matching (Professional Services Contract)

Please respond to any additional Supplementary Questions and Attachments as required by the Program Area. (Limit: 3,000 characters for each question, with upload buttons to match the number of files required)

1. Describe your organization’s methodology for scoping, matching, and launching skills‑based volunteer projects. How do you ensure rapid and high‑quality matches between volunteers and nonprofits?

2. Provide examples of past success supporting very small or volunteer‑run nonprofits. What specific strategies or adaptations did your organization use to serve nonprofits with limited administrative capacity?

3. How does your organization ensure equitable access to volunteer support for nonprofits of all operating budgets, leadership and staff sizes. Include details on outreach, relationship‑building, and any culturally responsive practices.

4. Explain your process for onboarding volunteers and preparing them for pro‑bono capacity‑building projects. How do you maintain quality, professionalism, and project completion rates among volunteers?

5. OEWD’s goal is to serve at least 150 nonprofits through this program. Describe your organization’s plan to meet or exceed this service level. Include expected number of pre-scoped projects, volunteer hours, and key milestones for engagement and project delivery.

Supplementary Materials: Three (3) letter of support

Supplementary Materials Criteria:
All applicants must include the following with the application submission:

Please provide up to three (3) letters of support from nonprofit businesses/organizations of different areas (e.g. arts, economic development, food security, environmental security, homelessness, youth development, workforce development) located in San Francisco, describing how your skills-based volunteer matching service has supported their organization.

Area D: Access to Loan Capital Small Business Technical Assistance (Grant)

Please respond to any additional Supplementary Questions and Attachments as required by the Program Area. (Limit: 3,000 characters for each question, with upload buttons to match the number of files required)

1. Describe your organization’s experience providing small business lending and/or financing-related technical assistance, particularly for underserved, underbanked, or historically excluded entrepreneurs. What have been your most significant outcomes over the bast 2-5 years?

2. Describe the technical assistance services you provide to prepare small businesses for financing. How do you tailor your approach to meet the needs of businesses at different stages of readiness?

3. How do you support businesses that lack traditional credit history, collateral, or documentation?

4. Describe your approach to supporting clients through the loan packaging and application process. What steps do you take to ensure applications are complete, competitive, and aligned with lender requirements?

5. Provide an overview of your outreach and pipeline development strategy. How do you identify, engage, and support small businesses that are not connected to traditional financing networks?

6. How do you determine when a business is ready to be referred for financing? Describe you process for connecting clients to appropriate capital providers and supporting them through that transition.

7. Describe how your organization tracks and measures outcomes related to financing readiness and access to capital. What metrics do you use to evaluate success?

8. How does your organization ensure culturally and linguistically responsive services for diverse small business owners in San Francisco?

9. What challenges do small business face in accessing capital, and what risks do you foresee in delivering these services? How does your organization mitigate those risks through its technical assistance model?

10. Please describe your experience in serving small businesses in Downtown, Specify the number of businesses served in the last fiscal year and any associate outcomes with your access capital technical assistance.

Supplementary Materials: Between two (2) and three (3)

Supplementary Materials Criteria:
All applicants must include the following with the application submission:

1. Two (2) letters of support from past small business clients, community partners, or other relevant stakeholders that demonstrate the applicant’s ability to effectively deliver small business technical assistance related to financing readiness and access to capital. Letters should speak to the applicant’s experience, quality of services, and impact in preparing businesses to pursue and obtain financing.

2. Applicants proposing a collaborative model must also submit one (1) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or signed letter confirming that all identified partners are committed and prepared to carry out the roles and responsibilities described in the proposal.

Area E: American Indian Cultural Corridor Economic Vitality - 16th & Mission (Grant)

Please respond to any additional Supplementary Questions and Attachments as required by the Program Area. (Limit: 3,000 characters for each question, with upload buttons to match the number of files required)

1. Describe your proposed 3–5 year economic vitality strategy for the American Indian Cultural Corridor (16th & Mission). Please include:

· Corridor analysis (assets, gaps, opportunities)
· Key barriers to American Indian business growth

· How you plan to support American Indian Cultural Corridor business presence, visibility, and revenue in your proposed project

· Strategies to strengthen cultural identity as a way to support economic vitality of the 16th Street commercial corridor

· Specific, measurable economic outcomes (e.g., sales increases, business openings, improved experience/perception of corridor)

2. Describe how you will design and implement partnership-driven activations and placemaking efforts that:

· Leverage merchants, cultural organizations, and property owners

· Activate storefronts, public space, and vacant spaces

· Improve customer experience and increase foot traffic

· Provide examples of how partnerships will directly lead to economic benefits for businesses.

3. Describe how your program will center American Indian culture as an economic driver by:
· Integrating Indigenous art, goods, and culture

· Creating pathways for entrepreneurs that focus on American Indian culture (pop-ups, markets, storefront transitions)

· Ensuring cultural programming translates into revenue-generating opportunities

· Provide specific examples of how culture will drive customer spending and business growth for the entire commercial corridor.

4. Describe your approach to marketing, branding, and activations that will position the corridor as a destination. Please include:

· Strategies to attract visitors

· Methods to convert visitors into paying customers

· Partnerships or channels that will support audience development

· Include projected attendance, customer spending strategies, and expected economic impact.

5. Describe how you will support small businesses and entrepreneurs, including those that uplift American Indian culture, connecting to partner and city resources including outreach, relationship-building, and partnership strategies

6. Describe how your activations will be structured to ensure measurable economic impact, including:

· Integration of storefront businesses into events

· Strategies to drive spending (e.g., promotions, vendor participation, routing customers)

· Approach to tracking metrics such as attendance, sales, and business participation

7. Describe your approach to ongoing stakeholder engagement and coordination, including:

· Merchants, property owners, cultural organizations, and residents

· Frequency and structure of engagement (e.g., meetings, block groups, working groups)

8. Describe how engagement informs programming and leads to economic outcomes

9. Describe how you will collaborate with City agencies and community partners to improve corridor conditions (cleanliness, safety, perception) and how this supports economic vitality.

10. Provide examples of similar projects your organization has implemented that demonstrate:

· Cultural corridor or place-based economic development experience

· Partnership coordination

· Measurable economic outcomes

Supplementary Materials: Between two (2) and three (3)

Supplementary Materials Criteria:
All applicants must include the following with the application submission::

1. Two (2) letters of support from small businesses, arts and culture organizations, community economic development non-profits, community leaders or other stakeholders that speak to your organization’s ability to implement the activities proposed, to demonstrate community support for the proposal. 

2. If you are proposing as a collaboration, please also include 1 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or signed letter confirming that all named program partners are prepared to assume the roles described in the proposal.

Area F: Bayview Third Street Cultural Economy Entrepreneur Fellows Program (Grant)

Please respond to any additional Supplementary Questions and Attachments as required by the Program Area. (Limit: 3,000 characters for each question, with upload buttons to match the number of files required)

1. Describe your approach to implementing an earn-to-learn Cultural Economy Entrepreneur Fellowship that results in measurable economic outcomes.

2. How will Fellows design and deliver revenue-generating activities? Provide examples of potential offerings and revenue models.

3. Describe how your program will drive direct spending at corridor businesses and track economic impact.

4. What is your strategy for recruiting, supporting, and retaining Fellows, including stipend structure and career pathways?

5. Describe your 2-3 year vision for sustaining and scaling this program as a long-term economic development strategy.

6. Describe your approach to developing and delivering a structured curriculum that supports both entrepreneurship and economic impact outcomes.

7. Provide examples of entrepreneurship training you have implemented, including curriculum design, deliverable methods, and measurable outcomes.

8. How will Fellows translate training into revenue-generating activities that benefit corridor businesses?

9. Describe your stipend model and how it will incentivize participation and performance. What requirements, milestones will have to be met for disbursements?

10. Outline your strategy for sustaining and scaling this program over 2-3 years.

Supplementary Materials: Between two (2) and three (3) Supplementary Materials Criteria

All applicants must include the following with the application submission:

1. Two (2)letters of support from past clients, small business clients, community leaders or other stakeholders that speak to your organization’s ability to implement the activities proposed in the application, to demonstrate community support for the proposal. 2. If you are proposing as a collaboration, please also include 1 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or signed letter confirming that all named program partners are prepared to assume the roles described in the proposal.

Area G: Castro Cares (Grant)

There are no Supplemental Questions for this program area.

Supplementary Materials: Between two (2) and five (5) Supplementary Materials Criteria

All applicants must include the following with the application submission:

In addition to the Proposal narrative, applicants must provide documentation and information demonstrating organizational experience relevant to the proposed services. Applicants are required to submit a list of relevant projects that includes - Project Title; - Nature and scope of the project; - Neighborhood(s) served; - Names of organizations, resident groups, merchant groups, small businesses, or other stakeholders involved; - Project dates and duration, including the number of years the project spanned; - Funding source(s);

- Key implementation challenges encountered; and - Strategies or solutions used to address those challenges and prevent similar issues in future project implementation.

Area H: Commercial Corridor Customer Attraction Activations (Grant)

Please respond to any additional Supplementary Questions and Attachments as required by the Program Area. (Limit: 3,000 characters for each question, with upload buttons to match the number of files required)

1. Describe how your proposed events and activations will generate direct economic impact for storefront businesses. Include:

· Projected attendance, average spend, and total economic impact

· Strategy to convert attendees into paying customers

· How you will achieve or exceed the minimum spend per attendee

2. Describe how storefront businesses will be actively integrated into events to generate revenue. Include:

· Specific mechanisms (promotions, curated experiences within businesses, event routes, incentives)

· Target number and type of businesses participating

· How at least 10% of funds directly benefit small businesses

3. Attendance Development & Audience Strategy - Provide a detailed marketing, outreach, and audience development strategy to achieve your proposed attendance. Include:

· Minimum target # of audience and how they will be reached

· Partnerships and networks leveraged

· Evidence from past events achieving similar attendance

4. Event Design for Economic Outcomes - Explain how your event design (format, duration, layout, programming) is intentionally structured to:

· Increase dwell time

· Drive spending behavior

· Encourage repeat visits to the corridor

5. Business & Vendor Participation Strategy - Describe your approach to:

· Selecting vendors and businesses

· Ensuring participation from San Francisco small businesses

· Supporting vendors to maximize sales (pricing, marketing, logistics)

6. Cultural Relevance, Place-Based Identity, Partnerships & Corridor Coordination - Describe how you will:

· Coordinate with merchants, property owners, and corridor organizations

· Coordinate with cultural Districts/CBDs and community partners

· Coordinate with sponsors or private partners to increase resources and attendance

· Reflect and celebrate the unique cultural identity of the corridor

· Attract diverse audiences

· Strengthen the corridor brand and long-term appeal

7. Implementation Capacity & Event Production Experience - Provide examples of past events of similar scale, including:

· Attendance achieved

· Economic impact (if available)

· Operational execution and challenges addressed

8. Data Collection & Performance Measurement - Describe how you meet necessary attendance requirements and will collect and report data, including:

· Attendance tracking

· Minimum average spend per attendee

· Business/vendor sales

· Survey completion strategy

9. How your activation strategy will:

· Create repeat visitation and sustained customer behavior

· Build long-term benefits beyond the event(s)

· Contribute to corridor economic vitality over time

10. Please explain how you expect to meet the 20% fund match requirement. Are funds already secured? Additionally, please articulate how you intend to budget and spend a minimum of 10% of the grant funds on direct services, stipends, participation costs of SF Small Businesses (Registered with CCSF)?

Supplementary Materials: Between two (2) and three (3) Supplementary Materials Criteria

All applicants must include the following with the application submission: 1. Two (2) letters of support from past clients, small business clients, community leaders or other stakeholders that speak to your organization’s ability to implement the activities proposed int the application, to demonstrate community support for the proposal.

Area I: Jane Warner Plaza (Grant)

Please respond to any additional Supplementary Questions and Attachments as required by the Program Area. (Limit: 3,000 characters for each question, with upload buttons to match the number of files required)

1) How will your proposed activities ensure that Jane Warner Plaza is consistently clean, welcoming, and well managed throughout the grant term?

2) Describe your organization’s experience operating community steward, ambassador, or cleaning programs in public spaces. Include locations, years of operation, and funding sources.

3) How will you ensure program implementation and completion within the 12-month grant term? Identify potential challenges and how you would address them.

4) Describe your experience working with City and County of San Francisco departments, including securing permits, coordinating services, and reporting performance data.

5) How will you collect, track, and report program data to OEWD on a monthly basis?

Area J: Neighborhood Commercial Corridor Economic Vitality (Grant)

Please respond to any additional Supplementary Questions and Attachments as required by the Program Area. (Limit: 3,000 characters for each question, with upload buttons to match the number of files required)

1) Describe your proposed 3–5 year corridor economic vitality strategy. Include corridor analysis, positioning, key challenges/opportunities, and measurable economic outcome targets. Explain how your activities will drive these outcomes.

2) Describe your approach to supporting existing businesses and attracting new businesses. Include vacancy reduction strategies, technical assistance, and tracking outcomes.

3) Describe how you will engage with non-profit service providers within the proposed geography on economic development challenges and how this leads to measurable economic outcomes.

4) Describe how you will integrate artists and cultural organizations into your strategy and how this drives economic outcomes.

5) Describe your approach to marketing and activations and how they drive customer spending.

6) Describe how will you help promote foot traffic in the business districts or commercial corridors.

7) Describe how you will improve corridor conditions and link them to economic vitality.

8) Describe how you will determine a particular activation positively impacted economic vitality and success for local businesses.

9) Please share examples of similar projects worked on and completed. Outline the process to complete the project, steps you took to address challenges, and how you used prior success to inform future programming.

10) Describe how you intend to overcome language barriers and support culturally competent small business technical assistance. If applicable, please address any specific preferred qualifications by neighborhood

Supplementary Materials: Between two (2) and three (3) Supplementary Materials Criteria All applicants must include the following with the application submission: 1) 2 letters of support from past small business clients, community leaders or other stakeholders that speak to your organization’s ability to implement the activities proposed, to demonstrate community support for the proposal. 2) If you are proposing as a collaboration, please also include 1 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or signed letter confirming that all named program partners are prepared to assume the roles described in the proposal.

Area K: ScaleUp SF: Financial Coaching and Loan Assistance for Small Businesses (Grant)

Please respond to any additional Supplementary Questions and Attachments as required by the Program Area. (Limit: 3,000 characters for each question, with upload buttons to match the number of files required)

1) Track Record and Outcomes (Last 24–36 Months) - Describe your experience providing financial and capital-readiness support to small businesses. Include:

· # of businesses served (growth-phase if possible)

· #of loan applications supported and submitted

· #of grant applications supported and submitted

· total capital secured (if tracked)

· 2 examples showing measurable business outcomes (revenue growth, improved margins, hiring, expansion).

2) Financial Statements Build Process - Walk us through your standard process to produce the required financial package: Sales Forecast, Profit and Lost document, Cash Flow, Break-even. Include:

· what documents you require at intake

· how you validate assumptions (sales, cost of goods sold, payroll, seasonality)

· typical timeline to completion

· how you ensure the owner understands and can use the outputs.

3) Accounting System Setup/Cleanup Approach- Explain how you set up or repair a small business accounting system. Include:

· tools you commonly support (e.g., QuickBooks/Xero/wave—list what you actually handle)

· chart of accounts approach and categorization standards

· monthly close workflow you establish

· how you prevent “messy books” from returning.

4) Capital Readiness + Lender Packaging - Describe how you prepare a business to approach lenders and funders. Include:

· your capital readiness checklist (credit, cash flow, debt capacity, documentation)

· how you match businesses to the right capital type (loan vs grant vs other)

· how you support packaging (narratives, projections, use of funds, repayment plan)

· how you coordinate with lenders/Community Development Financial Institutions or capital partners.

5) Tax Management Plan + Compliance Readiness - Describe your approach to developing a tax management plan and supporting filing readiness. Include:

· recordkeeping requirements you enforce

· estimated tax planning approach (if applicable)

· how you coordinate referrals to Certified Public A/tax preparers

· how you ensure compliance doesn’t derail growth (especially during hiring/expansion).

Supplementary Materials: Up to three (3) with additional material optional Supplementary Materials Criteria All applicants must include the following with the application submission:

1. Applicants should submit at least one (1) and up to three (3) letters of support from past small business clients. Letters should be specific, outcome-based, and directly tied to financial readiness and capital access work. Letters from small business clients that received financial, accounting, tax-readiness, or capital-access support from the applicant within the last two (2) – five (5) years is preferred.

2. Letters from community leaders or partner organizations may be included as optional add-ons, but they should not replace client letters.

Area L: ScaleUp SF: Legal & Leasing Assistance for Small Businesses (Grant)

Please respond to any additional Supplementary Questions and Attachments as required by the Program Area. (Limit: 3,000 characters for each question, with upload buttons to match the number of files required)

1) Describe your organization’s experience supporting small businesses with commercial leases. Include:

· number of lease negotiations or renewals supported

· typical deal types (new lease, renewal, assignment, sublease)

· typical business types served (retail, food, services, manufacturing, etc.)

· your role vs. outside counsel’s role examples of outcomes achieved (e.g., rent reduction, TI allowance, free rent, termination rights).

2) Walk us through your standard approach to producing a Risk Analysis and Mitigation Plan for a growth-phase business. Include:

· what you assess (lease terms, licensing, employment compliance, insurance, zoning, ADA, permits, etc.)

· how you prioritize risks (high/med/low)

· what your mitigation recommendations look like (timeline, owner, cost assumptions)

· how you confirm implementation and follow-through.

3) How do you confirm implementation and follow-through. Please include what systems you have in place.

4) What are the top ten (10) lease terms you review first when advising a small business tenant, and why?

5) Explain how you negotiate or mitigate common high-risk clauses (e.g., personal guaranty, CAM/NNN, annual escalations, assignment/subletting, use clause, exclusivity, repair obligations, insurance, default/notice/cure, early termination, TI, rent abatement).

Supplementary Materials: Up to three (3) with additional material optional

Supplementary Materials Criteria: All applicants must include the following with the application submission: 1. Three (3) letters of support from prior small business clients demonstrating growth outcomes. 2. If a collaboration: One (1) MOU or signed letter confirming partner roles 3. Letter from community leaders or partner organizations may include as optional add-ons, but they should not replace client letters.

Area M: Western Addition Commercial Kitchen Program (Grant)

Please respond to any additional Supplementary Questions and Attachments as required by the Program Area. (Limit: 3,000 characters for each question, with upload buttons to match the number of files required)

1) Kitchen development plan: Describe your plan to develop/complete the kitchen at the property, including permitting steps, milestones, and readiness timeline.

2) Site governance: Describe how you will structure the MOU with the property owner or entity (roles, access, maintenance, reporting, dispute resolution).

3) Phased approach: Provide a phased implementation plan with stop/go gates and deliverables.

4) Budget realism: Explain how your budget avoids optimistic assumptions and includes adequate contingency.

5) Operator model: Describe the anchor operator/kitchen manager role, staffing, and backup operator continuity plan.

6) Outreach + recruitment: How will you recruit and screen participants in the Lower Fillmore / Western Addition?

7) Incubation model: Describe your TA approach (workshops + 1:1), including compliance navigation and marketing/sales support.

8) Equity + barriers: Identify the top 3 barriers faced by your target population in this neighborhood and how you will reduce them.

9) Outcomes: Provide examples of measurable results achieved in the last 12 months.

10) Language proficiency: Indicate languages supported (other than English) and proficiency levels (1–5).

Supplementary Materials: Between two (2) and three (3) Supplementary Materials Criteria All applicants must include the following with the application submission: 1. Two (2) letters of support from past small business clients demonstrating ability to implement proposed activities. 2. If you are proposing as a collaboration, please also include 1 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or signed letter confirming that all named program partners are prepared to assume the roles described in the proposal.

Area N: Small Business Grant Payment Support (Professional Services Contract)

Please respond to any additional Supplementary Questions and Attachments as required by the Program Area. (Limit: 3,000 characters for each question, with upload buttons to match the number of files required)

1) Please describe your experience in administering checks to small businesses in San Francisco

2) Please describe the technical assistance your organization provides to ensure small businesses are paid in a timely manner

3) How do you work with diverse populations that may need additional tech or in-language support? What methods do you deploy to ensure the business is supported throughout the grant making process?

4) On average, how long does it take to disburse the grant to a small business after receiving all the proper documentation?

5) Please describe your past performance in administering grants to small businesses. Feel free to include:
a. Number of businesses supported
b. Dollar amount of grant disbursed

Supplementary Materials: 3 Supplementary Materials Criteria All applicants must include the following with the application submission: 1. Provide up to three (3) documents demonstrating the applicants financial capacity to manage and disburse up to $2,000,000 per month (e.g., audited financial statements, line of credit, cash reserves, financial systems and internal controls.). In addition to answering the Supplementary Questions, submit at

Area O: Manufacture of Legacy Business Brushed-Aluminum Plaques (Professional Services Contract)

Please respond to any additional Supplementary Questions and Attachments as required by the Program Area. (Limit: 3,000 characters for each question, with upload buttons to match the number of files required)

1) Describe your experience in graphic design.

2) Describe your experience with Adobe Illustrator.

3) Describe your experience manufacturing brushed-aluminum plaques or working with a foundry to manufacture plaques.

Submission Authorization

I agree that I am an owner or officer of the proposing firm, agency or organization who is duly authorized to bind the Primary Applicant. I agree to accept all conditions, provisions, requirements, and specifications contained in the City and County of San Francisco Request for Proposals. (It is the responsibility of the Primary Applicant to ensure that all named partners are in agreement with the proposal prior to submission.) I agree that the Proposal shall be binding for no less than one hundred twenty (120) days. I understand that, if selected, my organization must comply with City and County ordinances and contracting requirements including general liability and auto insurances, compliance with Equal Benefits Ordinance, and current San Francisco business tax certificate, as applicable. Further, my submission of this proposal confirms that my organization is not currently debarred or suspended from participation in local, State or Federal programs.

I certify that the information provided in this application is true:

Name

Date

Program Lead Executive Director/CEO Approval

If this application is being submitted by a fiscal agent or fiscal sponsor, please secure the approval of the Program Lead's Executive Director or CEO below.

I certify that the information provided in this application is true:

Name

Date

Ready to Submit?

The "Submit" button is located below. Do not press this button until ready to submit the final application. If the application contains errors in need of correction, an error message will be generated. After making all necessary corrections and pressing "Submit" again, review for accuracy and press "Confirm" to make your final submission, which must happen before the deadline. After successful submission, the Primary Point of Contact email address will receive a time-stamped confirmation email.

Applications will not be accepted after the deadline.

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