Community Futures East Kootenay (CFEK) seeks proposals from qualified consultants to develop a comprehensive business case and lending rules for a new catalytic community lending program. This program aims to provide pre-seed funding for capital projects in East Kootenay communities, allowing communities to advance the projects into a funding-ready state to take advantage of loan and grant programs from the Province of BC, the Government of Canada, or other parties. The projects are expected to be real estate-oriented, including but not limited to affordable housing developments, new childcare spaces, and new recreational facilities.

The selected consultant will be required to:

1. Develop a go-to-market program for CFEK’s proposed new catalytic lending program.
2. Establish lending rules and guidelines to govern the program.
3. Ensure the program design and lending rules align with CFEK’s strategic goals and community needs.
4. Develop a promotional plan to kick-off the program

The consultant will be responsible for the tasks below, outlined in stages, each with its own go, no-go decision on whether to proceed to the next stage. The total budget is not to exceed $15,000. The stages proposed below should be viewed as tentative. Alternative workplans may be proposed by the consultant as long as it meets the same objectives and has a phased approach to project funding. The consultant should complete all three stages by July 2025, with the first stage to be completed by the end of March 2025.

Stage 1: Prototype Development and Market Validation

Prototype Development: Work with CFEK to define a prototype structure for the catalytic lending program, including funding mechanisms, eligibility criteria, and repayment terms.

Market Validation: Interview key stakeholders, including local governments, non-profits, and community organizations to gather input on the program and validate its demand in the East Kootenay region.

Where possible, identify potential projects the fund could benefit and quantify its economic impact.

GO/NO GO Recommendation and Decision for Stage 2

Stage 2: Detailed Program Design

Develop the lending program in detail required to operationalize it successfully.

Operational Design: Work with CFEK team to define the program in the detail required for the team to implement it. Consideration should be given to the policies, procedures, forms and other documents required.

Financial Modeling: Develop financial models to project the program’s sustainability and potential return on investment.

Risk Assessment: Identify and assess potential risks associated with the program and propose mitigation strategies.

Program Design Considerations

Lending Rules Development

Eligibility Criteria: Define clear criteria for project eligibility, focusing on real estate-oriented projects such as affordable housing, childcare spaces, and recreational facilities.

Application Process: Design a transparent, efficient, and user-friendly application process. Consider including step-by-step guidance and support for potential applicants to navigate the application process effectively.

Evaluation Criteria: Establish criteria for evaluating and selecting projects, ensuring alignment with CFEK’s objectives and community needs.

Repayment Terms: Develop guidelines for repayment terms, considering follow-on construction funding or takeout financing options.

Monitoring and Evaluation: Propose a framework for monitoring and evaluating the performance of funded projects. This framework should consider setting clear performance metrics, conducting regular assessments, and gathering feedback from loan recipients to inform future improvements.

Interest Rebate Rules Development

Impact Objectives: Work with CFEK to outline the Impact Objectives on which Interest Rate Rebates should be based (i.e. funding leverage, significance to community, loan duration).

Interest Rate Rebate Criteria: Define clear criteria for Interest Rate Rebates for organizations that meet certain Impact Objectives, and a methodology for calculating those rebates.

GO/NO GO Recommendation and Decision for Stage 3

Stage 3: Program Promotion

Communications Plan: Work with CFEK team to develop a communication plan to promote the loan fund once available. For example, consider including the leverage of social media, community organizations, and local media to reach a wider audience and ensure that eligible applicants are aware of the opportunity.

Plan Execution: Work with CFEK team to execute the promotional plan and secure initial applicants.

Interested consultants should submit a proposal that includes the following:

1. Executive Summary: A brief overview of the consultant’s approach to the project.
2. Relevant Experience and Qualifications: Detailed information on the consultant’s qualifications, including relevant experience and past projects.
3. Project Plan: A detailed project plan outlining the methodology, timeline, and key milestones.
4. Budget: A detailed budget proposal, including a breakdown of costs.
5. References: Provide contact information for at least two references from other projects.

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Experience and Qualifications: Experience and expertise in developing business cases and lending programs.
2. Approach and Methodology: The proposed approach and methodology for completing the project.
3. Cost: The cost-effectiveness of the proposal.
4. Timeline: The ability to meet the project timeline.
5. References: Feedback from references.