Statewide Technical Assistance o Support Regional Food System Development Programs

The Oregon Department of Agriculture is seeking a contractor to provide statewide technical assistance to support regional food system development programs. The contractor will work with the department and regional food and agriculture business centers to provide direct technical assistance to farm and food businesses. The scope of work includes identifying gaps in technical assistance, developing a technical assistance program, and delivering one-on-one technical assistance and regional trainings. The contractor will be responsible for promoting existing programs and opportunities, as well as developing and delivering new technical assistance resources. The project has a budget of $162,000 and is expected to last for six months, with options to renew up to a maximum of one year. Some key points of the project include: • Access to capital, such as loan application assistance • Mentoring and cohort business coaching • Financial education and credit counseling • Specialized assistance, such as accounting, legal, or human resources • Efficiencies in the middle of the supply chain • Marketing and brand identity • Technology services, such as web development, social media, or e-commerce • Wholesale market development • Farm business diversification for value-added production