Wildcat MicroFund Business Support Coordinator

San Juan County

Request for Qualifications (RFQ)

Wildcat MicroFund Business Support Coordinator

Wildcat MicroFund Partnership

San Juan County would like to retain the professional services of a qualified consultant to coordinate the Wildcat MicroFund program and provide business technical assistance to entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout San Juan County under the Wildcat MicroFund partnership with Weber State University.

We invite you to submit in response to this Request for Qualifications (RFQ). Questions regarding this RFQ can be submitted to mmcdonald@sanjuancountyut.gov or by calling (435) 587-3225.

All responses and qualifications need to be received by 5:00 PM, February 16, 2026. Submissions can be sent by mail to PO Box 9, Monticello, Utah 84535 or hand delivered to the Clerk/Auditor’s Office at 117 S Main Street in Monticello, Utah 84535 or emailed to mmcdonald@sanjuancountyut.gov

Scope of Services

San Juan County is seeking a qualified consultant to provide coordination, outreach, and technical assistance support for the Wildcat MicroFund initiative, in partnership with Weber State University. The Wildcat MicroFund Business Support Coordinator will work closely with the San Juan County Economic Development Department, the San Juan Chamber, and regional partners to ensure equitable access to entrepreneurial resources and funding opportunities across rural and Indigenous communities.

The consultant shall perform the following tasks:

• Provide in-person and remote technical assistance to startups and early-stage businesses (five years or less) throughout San Juan County.
• Work one-on-one with entrepreneurs to strengthen business models, improve readiness, and access additional regional resources.
• Support businesses in preparing for other funding opportunities beyond the Wildcat MicroFund.
• Promote the Wildcat MicroFund program throughout the County through outreach, partner coordination, and community engagement.
• Coordinate with the San Juan Chamber to strengthen business service delivery and entrepreneurial support.
• Participate in training provided by the San Juan County Economic Development Department and Weber State University Wildcat MicroFund partners.
• Deliver Business Model Canvas training throughout the community during the contract year using program-provided curriculum.
• Provide Lean Business Plan training workshops to support business sustainability and funding readiness.
• Deliver at least one targeted marketing-focused training covering business model elements such as customer segmentation, channels, and outreach strategy.
• Collaborate with the County and Wildcat partners to refine workshop materials and develop additional tools, handouts, or resources as needed to support local entrepreneurs.

• Track participation, technical assistance activities, training attendance, and business outcomes required under grant reporting expectations.
• Maintain organized program documentation and provide updates to the County Economic Development Department.
• Submit monthly activity summaries, participation metrics, and invoices to support County reporting requirements.

Terms of Engagement

Independent Contractor:

• The contractor will operate independently and must secure and maintain all necessary insurance, bonding, including general liability, automobile, disability, unemployment, and worker’s compensation.
• The contractor is responsible for all payment of all applicable taxes and must indemnify San Juan County against any claims arising from noncompliance.

No Subcontracting:

• The contractor may not subcontract any services without the written consent of San Juan County.

Compensation

The maximum fee for the services sought through this RFQ will not exceed Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000.00) for the first year of services.

The selected consultant will be expected to invoice the County on a monthly basis and provide a monthly activity report documenting work completed, training delivered, businesses served, and progress toward program outcomes.

This RFQ is intended to support the initial year of coordination services only. Any continuation beyond the first year will be subject to County review, performance, and future funding availability.

Preferred Experience and Qualifications

Interested respondents should demonstrate qualifications and experience similar to the following:

• Experience providing business technical assistance, coaching, or entrepreneurial support services.
• Familiarity with Lean Business Planning, Business Model Canvas methodology, and startup support strategies.
• Ability to facilitate community-based trainings and workshops in rural settings.
• Experience supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs, including Indigenous and rural business communities.
• Strong outreach, coordination, and communication skills.
• Ability to track program participation data and support grant-required reporting.
• Ability to collaborate with the San Juan County Economic Development Department, the San Juan Chamber, and Weber State University partners.

How to Apply

Interested consultants should submit a qualifications package including:

• Relevant experience and qualifications.
• Resume or organizational background demonstrating entrepreneurship support or technical assistance experience.
• Examples of training, facilitation, or business coaching experience (if available).
• Confirmation of independent contractor status and ability to meet insurance and tax obligations

Please submit your qualifications by the submission deadline to contact email or mailing address. For any inquiries, feel free to reach out to Mack McDonald at mmcdonald@sanjuancountyut.gov

Selection and Award

Selection and award will be subject to the County’s Purchasing Policy for services. The Purchasing Policy can be located at www.sanjuancountyut.gov or by emailing Mack McDonald at mmcdonald@sanjuancountyut.gov.