For More Information Contact: Renee' Ihlenfeldt
231-723-4325
For Immediate Release
CONSULTANT SOUGHT TO HELP DEVELOP ENTREPRENEUR SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR MANISTEE, MASON AND BENZIE COUNTY REGION
Manistee, Ludington and Benzonia, Michigan -- With a vision of successful entrepreneurs and small businesses, a Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued today seeking a consultant to help develop a regional system to support those individuals and enterprises in the Manistee, Mason and Benzie County region.
The work will be carried out under an $80,000 grant secured from the U. S. Department of Agriculture Rural Enterprise program by the Manistee County Community Foundation. The Manistee-based Alliance for Economic Success is administering the program in collaboration with partners in Mason and Benzie Counties, including the Mason County Growth Alliance, the Benzie County Chamber of Commerce and West Shore Community College.
Under the RFP, proposals are sought by Monday, September 1, 2008 to:
1. Inventory local, regional, state or national programs and services that should be included in an entrepreneurial and small business support delivery system
2. Identify national best practices that have resulted in successful entrepreneurs and small businesses that should be considered in designing the delivery system for the three-county region
The information will be used to help design a system for the three-county region with a goal of increasing employment opportunities, diversifying the regional economy, reducing the region’s dependence upon a seasonal economy and reversing downward trends in year-round population and school enrollment by keeping more people in the area supported with living wage jobs.