Powered By Blogger

Friday, December 30, 2011

RFP for Webcast Project, Loudoun SBDC

Loudoun Small Business Development Center

Webcast Project Request for Proposal

Issued: December 30, 2011

Loudoun SBDC

202 Church Street, SE, Suite 100

Leesburg, VA 20175

703-430-7222

CCampbell@LoudounSBDC.org

Loudoun Small Business Development Center (Loudoun SBDC) received a $15,000 grant to produce a “Start Your Business” Webcast. $15,000 will be the Webcast award amount. This amount does not include costs for ongoing maintenance or web hosting fees.

Loudoun SBDC is soliciting proposals from qualified vendors to provide a complete Webcast solution. The selected vendor will create and implement the Webcast, making it ready for end users. Project completion is targeted to be on or around February 28, 2012.

Proposals are due back to Loudoun SBDC at the above address, or by email at CCampbell@LoudounSBDC.org, no later than 5 PM on Monday, January 9th. Selected finalists will then present to members of the Loudoun SBDC Board of Directors during the week of January 16th.

Competition will be based on proposed solution for the fixed price of $15,000. Proposals should address:

· Setup and design of Webcast website/hosting platform

· Design and implementation of registration for Webcast (currently use Eventbrite for registration; can investigate using/integrating this system)

· Implementation of financial shopping cart for payment gateway if necessary (currently use Eventbrite)

· Setup and design of all social media sites for new project, syndication, etc.

· Setup of analytics for new website to track traffic to site, conversion rates, etc.

· Webcast will be in “chapters.” Total Webcast time is expected to be approximately 2 hours.

· Setup of Webcast format with power point slides with voice-over

· Professionally recording video and audio for Webcast interviews

· Professionally recording video and audio for one Webcast conversation between three participants

· Design of graphics for use within Webcast for transitions and elsewhere where appropriate

· Incorporation of available B roll into Webcast where appropriate.

· Design and implementation of “Certification of Completion” once all chapters have been viewed by participants. Mechanism must be built in to ensure participants have viewed the content (example, a “Next” button which must be pressed at designed intervals throughout the Webcast.)

· Design mechanism which allows participants to register for Webcast and complete Webcast within 30 days from time of registration. When participants sign in within that 30-day time frame, they should be returned to the end point of their prior session.

· Setup, recording and formatting Webcast into Video format that translates to web, iPad and mobile

· Setup of Blogging feature for promotions and daily feeds of information

· Making website mobile ready for ease of use

· Utilizing a QR code for accessing website/video series

· Setup and implementation of an Evaluation/Testimonial page to be emailed to and viewed only by Loudoun SBDC.

· Creating video overview of project and requirements for end users

Vendor should include all team members and their qualifications in their proposal, plus submit any prior projects that demonstrate vendor’s ability to successfully execute this project. References should be provided, but will be checked for finalists only.

Project should be constructed in a way to minimize maintenance costs. “Chapters” should be easy to update. Loudoun SBDC is looking for low-cost, creative solutions.

While ongoing maintenance costs and web hosting costs are not included within the scope of this project, proposals must contain estimated costs that Loudoun SBDC will incur after implementation of Webcast. These should be broken down by category.

Any additional features or projects you wish to include within your proposal will be considered as part of the vendor selection process. Any questions should be emailed to CCampbell@LoudounSBDC.org. Loudoun SBDC offices are closed Monday, January 2, 2012.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Loudoun SBDC NxLeveL program accepting applications


NxLeveLTM for Entrepreneurs

Are you prepared for growth in 2012???!!!

Are YOU ready for the 2012 Business Plan Competition?

The 2011 First Place Local winner received $8K cash/services!

Everything you need to create/revise your Business/Marketing Plan

We are combining this course with the Tilling the Soil of Opportunity NxLeveL coursework for those with rural-based businesses!

10-week course: Mondays, Jan 23 –Apr 2 (holidays excluded)

(plus bonus class April 16th)


Classes will be held from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Mason Enterprise Center, 202 Church Street SE, Leesburg, VA 20175. 15-student limit. For further details or to register, please contact the Loudoun SBDC: 703-430-7222 or ccampbell@loudounsbdc.org


Cost for this 30-hour course is *$485, or roughly $16/hour, and includes textbook and workbook, guest lecturers, and extensive peer networking! YES, THERE IS HOMEWORK!

*$485 fee is non-refundable. You may, however, earn a $200 rebate if you:

  • Complete and turn in your business plan within 1 month of the course ending

  • Attend at least 8 classes, 6 PM to 9 PM

  • Attend 2 free one-on-one Loudoun SBDC counseling sessions during the course

NOTE: A course application is required. For the course to be offered, Loudoun SBDC must approve a minimum of 10 people. Class size limited to 15. Payment of the $485 fee due prior to the first class session.


You should attend NxLeveLTM if you:

  • Are serious about starting or growing your business throughout 2012
  • Want to learn tips firsthand from subject matter experts and local business leaders
  • Want to learn how to identify opportunities, market your business, manage your financials
  • Want to take solid practical information and create an action plan that will become the blueprint for your success. IF YOU DO THE HOMEWORK, you walk away with a finished business/marketing plan
  • Love the energy of working with other entrepreneurs in a supportive team environment

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
In business, education is
not a luxury—it is a necessity!!

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Great opportunity for food entrepreneurs

A new Food Network series is looking for FOOD ENTREPRENEURS. Specifically, people who have left their previous career to start a new restaurant (or similar business).

- Must have little-to-no prior professional culinary experience
- Must be planning to open a brick-and-mortar space where there will be walk-in customers (restaurant, bakery, sandwich shop, etc.).
- Must be aiming to open between now and autumn 2012.

Those chosen will receive culinary & business coaching from Bobby Flay (a chef, restaurateur, and fixture on the Food Network) as well as invaluable national publicity. Email rjilani@loudounsbdc.org for more info.