Small Business and Economic Development Strategic Assessment

Richland County, South Carolina, is soliciting a qualified consulting firm to perform a comprehensive Small Business and Economic Development Strategic Assessment. The study will analyze the county’s unincorporated “Priority Investment” and “Secondary Growth” areas, evaluate retail leakage, assess the current small‑business ecosystem, identify target industries, and develop recommendations for a retail‑business assistance program and strategic recruitment initiatives. Deliverables include data‑driven market analysis, stakeholder interviews, GIS mapping of commercial corridors, a final report with actionable recommendations, and a marketing tool for prospective investors. • Scope covers economic conditions, buying power, small‑business density, survival rates, employment trends, and infrastructure. • Focus on mitigating an estimated $418 M annual retail leakage and capturing projected $830 M retail demand by 2029. • Required deliverables: detailed analytical report, GIS maps, strategic recruitment plan, implementation timeline, and performance metrics. • Timeline: questions due Oct 28 2026, proposal due Nov 5 2026; work to be completed under a contract period (duration not specified). • Vendor must register on the County’s OpenGov e‑procurement portal and comply with extensive local, state, and federal regulations (e.g., EEO, DBE, drug‑free workplace, etc.).