Small Business Networking, Vendor Events and Resource Navigation

The City of Pontiac invites proposals from qualified organizations to strengthen Pontiac’s business ecosystem through networking and educational events, business, vendor, and procurement connections, and resource navigation. The selected provider must demonstrate strong community partnerships, outreach capacity, and measurable results. No provider is designated or guaranteed an award; selection will follow the published criteria and applicable City procurement requirements. The City seeks a qualified lead organization with municipal experience and a record of coordinating business support initiatives with local government. Preference will be given to a chamber of commerce or other trusted, community-focused organization with strong local relationships, outreach capacity, and the ability to convene businesses and public, nonprofit, and institutional partners. The selected contractor will coordinate networking, technical resources, procurement connections, City information, and referrals to help Pontiac businesses start, stabilize, and grow. Services must complement existing resources and remain accessible without requiring organizational membership throughout the six-month funding period.