We’re excited to bring back “The Mixer” program to help small businesses in the creative economy. Through the Request for Qualifications process, we’re looking for a production consultant or producing firm team to help us relaunch this program in 2024. The contract runs through December 2024 and is budgeted for up to $150,000. Responses are due March 1, 2024, details can be found in the Request for Qualification.
“The Mixer” program is a series of regular workshops that provide training, information, networking, and resources that address specific needs of creative businesses. The goal is to help small businesses mitigate the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. There will be a focus on helping BIPOC and WMBE-owned businesses, who sustained disproportionate financial loss due to the pandemic, consumer behavior changes, shifting social dynamics, and public health mandates.
Our goal is to work with a team equipped to coordinate the programming and secure appropriate industry experts as well as the execution and post-production of these workshops. We hope to launch The Mixer this spring, with workshops continuing on a regular basis through December.
Key RFQ Requirements Include:
- Experience in in-person networking events, workshops, and video production (or) subcontractor who does this.
- Experience in engagement with Black, indigenous, people of color (BIPOC) and women- and minority-owned small businesses and/or socioeconomic disadvantaged neighborhoods.
- Experience producing events within creative industries.
- Marketing experience in attracting attendees.
- Experience producing and curating large gatherings with 100+ people.
- Knowledge of the different creative sectors and familiarity with people that occupy the jobs in creative sectors.
About the Office of Economic Development Creative Economy Program
The Office of Economic Development’s mission is to build an inclusive economy where everyone in Seattle can fully participate in and benefit from our prosperity.
In Seattle, the creative economy includes 61 different occupations that represent 250,000 jobs in the metro area. These jobs, particularly those in the arts, film, music, and nightlight, are not only power economic drivers but are part of what makes our region special.
Our goal is to drive growth within the creative economy through strategies and investments that open doors and remove barriers to individual, business and community wealth building opportunities – especially for communities that have been systemically excluded.
For more information, contact James Miles, Creative Economy Manager at james.miles@seattle.gov.