ABC Program RFQ

The Office of Economic Development (OED) connects Seattle's small business community with the resources, technical assistance, and services needed to start, stabilize, and grow. Within this work, the Accounting and Business Consulting (ABC) Program provides eligible Seattle businesses with access to professional consulting expertise at no cost to the business. As the ABC Program has grown, the needs of participating businesses have become increasingly varied. Some businesses enter the program with a clearly defined technical need; others require assistance identifying the right intervention. Even businesses within the same service category may require different expertise depending on industry, business stage, operational capacity, and the specific challenge they face. ABC also serves businesses experiencing economic disruption or instability, including those affected by public infrastructure and construction projects. These businesses often need timely, practical assistance to prepare for or respond to impacts such as reduced customer access, changes in operations, and revenue disruption. Depending on the need, ABC support may include business continuity and operational planning, financial management, customer retention and marketing strategy, and other specialized technical assistance to help businesses remain resilient during periods of disruption. For the 2027 program, OED is refining the ABC model to strengthen the connection between an identified business need, the appropriate consultant expertise, the scope of the engagement, and the intended outcome. Rather than treating consulting hours as the primary unit of service, OED intends for technical assistance engagements to be organized around defined business needs and practical results. The City is seeking consultants who can provide specialized expertise, adapt their assistance to individual business circumstances, and work collaboratively within a coordinated, City-managed technical assistance program.