Discover Downtown

Request for Proposal

February 26, 2026
Graphic banner reading “Request for Proposal” with subtitle “Business Seminar Series: Marketing Plan Development | Social Media & AI | Content Development & Creation.” The design features teal and black geometric shapes, photos of people attending a seminar and collaborating at a table, and the Downtown Excelsior Partnership (DEP) logo in the lower right corner.

Business Seminar Series | 3-Week Workshop Series

Issued by: Downtown Excelsior Partnership, Inc.
Location: Downtown Excelsior Springs, Missouri
Release Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026
Proposal Deadline: Tuesday, March 31, 2026

OVERVIEW

The Downtown Excelsior Partnership, Inc. (DEP) is seeking qualified speakers or facilitators to lead a three-week Business Seminar Series designed to support and strengthen small businesses in Downtown Excelsior Springs.

This series is part of DEP’s Economic Vitality strategy to provide practical, actionable tools that help local businesses grow revenue, strengthen brand presence, and improve operational efficiency.

We are seeking dynamic, experienced presenters who can deliver hands-on, implementation-focused workshops, not just theory.

SERIES STRUCTURE

The seminar series will consist of three weekly workshops (approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours each):

Week 1: Marketing Plan Development

  • Building a simple, actionable marketing plan
  • Identifying target audiences
  • Creating measurable goals
  • Local marketing strategy for small downtown districts
  • Practical templates/tools participants can take home

Week 2: Social Media Strategy & AI Integration

  • Social media strategy for small businesses
  • Content planning and consistency
  • Using AI tools to:

    • Generate captions
    • Create marketing calendars
    • Improve efficiency
  • Ethical and effective AI usage
  • Live demonstrations preferred

Week 3: Content Creation (Reels & Photography) + AI

  • Creating engaging short-form videos (Reels/TikTok-style)
  • Smartphone photography tips
  • Lighting and composition basics
  • Filming and editing basics
  • Using AI tools for:
    • Script generation
    • Caption writing
    • Content repurposing
  • Hands-on or demonstration-based instruction strongly preferred

SCHEDULE & LOCATION

DEP anticipates hosting the Business Seminar Series on three consecutive Monday evenings from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM in Downtown Excelsior Springs.

Proposes must indicate:

  • Availability on Monday evenings
  • Any known scheduling conflicts
  • Alternative dates/times they could accommodate if necessary

While Monday evenings are preferred to maximize small business attendance, limited flexibility may be considered based on speaker availability.

AUDIENCE

Participants will include:

  • Retailers
  • Restaurants
  • Service providers
  • Tourism-related businesses

Most participants are small business owners with limited time and limited marketing budgets.  Workshops should be accessible, practical, and immediately applicable.

DELIVERABLES

Selected speaker(s) will be responsible for:

  • Developing workshop curriculum and presentation materials
  • Providing any templates, worksheets or resources
  • Delivering in person presentations in Downtown Excelsior Springs
  • Allowing DEP to share presentation materials with attendees post-event
  • Providing short promotional bio and headshot for marketing

QUALIFICATIONS

Ideal candidates will have:

  • Experience working with small businesses
  • Demonstrated expertise in marketing strategy, social media, content creations, and/or AI integration
  • Strong public speaking skills
  • Ability to provide practical, hands-on instruction
  • Experience leading workshops (preferred)

Preference may be given to speakers familiar with small towns, Main Street, or tourism-based economies.

PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

Proposals should include:

  • Speaker background and qualifications
  • Relevant experience with small businesses
  • Outline of proposed workshop approach (for one or more weeks)
  • Sample presentation materials (if available)
  • Fee structure (per session or full series)
  • Availability for proposed dates
  • References (optional but encouraged)

Speakers may submit proposals for:

  • The full 3-week series
  • Individual workshop weeks

BUDGET

Please include proposed fees.  DEP is a nonprofit organization and encourages competitive pricing.

Proposals may include:

  • Flat fee per session
  • Discounted full-series rate
  • Travel accommodations (if applicable)

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

  • Relevant experience
  • Practicality and value of workshop content
  • Engagement style
  • Cost
  • Alignment with small business audience needs

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Submit proposals electronically to:

Lyndsey Baxter
Executive Director
Downtown Excelsior Partnership, Inc.
exec@visitesprings.com
Subject Line: Business Seminar Series Proposal

QUESTIONS

Questions regarding this RFP may be submitted via email by Monday, March 23, 2026 at 5:00 PM.