FY26-27 Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Program

The City of Stockton is issuing an RFP (PUR‑27‑015) to fund the FY26‑27 Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Program, a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) initiative that supports low‑ and moderate‑income entrepreneurs, small businesses, and startups through technical assistance, business consulting, financial guidance, legal services, and capacity‑building activities. Selected organizations will receive a grant (minimum $75,000) and must deliver services such as one‑on‑one consulting, digital‑operations support, access‑to‑capital counseling, co‑op training, food‑incubator assistance, and manufacturing/logistics education. The award period runs July 1 2026 – June 30 2027, with quarterly reporting and reimbursement‑based payments. Proposals are due by 2:00 PM PST on November 12 2026; a non‑mandatory pre‑submittal meeting is scheduled for October 23 2026. • Target beneficiaries: 100 % low‑ and moderate‑income (LMI) entrepreneurs. • Funding source: Federal CDBG (HUD). • Minimum award: $75,000; typical award range $75k‑$250k. • Deliverables: technical assistance, business formation, financial planning, legal aid, training, coworking/incubator access, marketing, and logistics support. • Reporting: quarterly performance matrices and final report; reimbursement after documentation of eligible expenses. • Timeline: RFP posted Oct 8 2026, questions due Oct 29 2026, pre‑bid meeting Oct 23 2026, submission deadline Nov 12 2026, award notification week of Nov 23 2026, council approval Dec 8 2026.