Small Business Center Counseling Services

Southwestern Community College is soliciting bids under solicitation 2026-9-1 for the provision of confidential, free-of-charge individual business counseling services for small business owners. The selected vendor will provide expert guidance across all stages of the business life cycle, with a historical volume requirement of 17 to 35 hours per month. Services may be delivered via phone, email, virtual, or in-person formats. Key performance requirements include conducting initial sessions of at least 30 minutes within 48 hours of contact and documenting all activity in the SBCN Client Management system. Counselors must possess deep expertise in areas such as business plan creation, capital sourcing, legal structures, and grant proposals. The contract will be awarded to the responsive bidder offering the lowest price that meets all specifications. The initial term is one year, with the option for the state to renew for up to two additional one-year terms. Vendors must adhere to strict confidentiality and professional conduct standards, including a total prohibition on the use of automated AI meeting bots or recording scripts. Administrative requirements include registration with the NC Secretary of State, submission of financial certifications, and the designation of a contract manager. Bids must be submitted electronically via the North Carolina electronic Vendor Portal by October 7, 2026.