Request for Proposals (RFP): Video Storytelling Series – Honoring Entrepreneurs and Advancing Economic Impact

Request for Proposals (RFP): Video Storytelling Series – Honoring Entrepreneurs and Advancing Economic Impact

Issue Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Proposal Deadline: Thursday, July 31, 2025

Contact: Denise Cooper
Director of Strategic Communications and Events
Denise@iwbmore.org

Anticipated Project Start Date: August 18, 2025

Anticipated Project Completion Date: September 30, 2025

I. Project Overview

We are seeking a mission-aligned, creative video production team or individual to develop a compelling video storytelling series that features five entrepreneurs within our network. These videos will spotlight the entrepreneurs’ enterprises, journeys, aspirations, and the economic and social impact they are making in their communities, including the role our ecosystem plays in supporting them through mentorship, technical assistance, intentional networks, and impact investing.

This project will help us bring our impact measurement framework to life in a way that centers and honors the lived experiences of the entrepreneurs we serve.

II. Objectives

  • Document and share powerful, authentic entrepreneur stories that align with our core values of equity, collaboration, and community wealth-building.
  • Highlight the role of our organization’s support:
    • Mentorship & Technical Assistance
    • Access to Capital (Impact Investment)
    • Intentional Peer and Partner Networks
    • Values-Driven Business Practices
  • Develop a suite of video assets for use across multiple platforms (web, social, events, presentations).

III. Scope of Work

The selected vendor will:

  1. Creative Direction & Storyboarding
    • Collaborate with our team to align on tone, themes, and visual storytelling approach.
    • Co-develop story arcs that reflect both individual entrepreneur journeys and broader ecosystem impact.
  2. Filming
    • Conduct on-site filming with five entrepreneurs in their respective workspaces.
    • Capture high-quality b-roll of their daily operations and community context.
    • Film interview-style segments with each entrepreneur and, if appropriate, mentors or team members.
  3. Editing & Production
    • Produce two versions per entrepreneur:
      • One (1) short-form video (approx. 60 seconds) for social media.
      • One (1) medium-form video (approx. 3 minutes) for web and presentations.
    • Produce one (1) compiled narrative video (5–7 minutes) weaving all five stories into a cohesive reflection of the network and impact framework.
    • Add branding elements, music, subtitles (where applicable), and formatting for cross-platform use.
  4. Post-Production & Delivery
    • Provide all final versions in high-resolution formats suitable for web, social, and in-person use.
    • Provide raw footage and full rights to all content.
    • Participate in at least two rounds of feedback and revisions per video.

IV. Deliverables

  • 5 short videos (1-minute each)
  • 5 feature videos (3-minute each)
  • 1 composite video (5–7 minutes)
  • Raw footage and editable project files
  • Captioned/subtitled versions
  • Final videos in both horizontal and vertical formats, if applicable

V. Ideal Partner Qualifications

We are looking for a team or individual with:

  • A strong portfolio of documentary or human-centered storytelling
  • Experience working with nonprofits or mission-driven organizations
  • Demonstrated cultural humility and ability to work respectfully with diverse communities
  • Capacity to manage production from concept to final delivery, including logistics and timelines
  • Familiarity with topics like economic justice, entrepreneurship, racial equity, or community development is a plus.

VI. Proposal Requirements

Please include the following in your proposal (max 8 pages not including portfolio attachments):

  1. Cover Letter & Background
    • A brief introduction to your team and why you’re interested in this project
  2. Relevant Experience
    • Examples of past video storytelling projects (include links)
  3. Creative Approach
    • Initial thoughts on visual style, tone, and approach to capturing these stories
  4. Project Timeline
    • Estimated timeline with key milestones from kickoff to delivery
  5. Budget
    • Proposed project cost with a high-level breakdown (filming, editing, travel, etc.)

VII. Selection Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

  • Alignment with the spirit and goals of the project
  • Quality and creativity of prior work
  • Demonstrated understanding of equity-centered storytelling
  • Project timeline and responsiveness to scope
  • Budget feasibility and value

VIII. Submission Instructions

Please submit your proposal and portfolio (via PDF or link) by Thursday, July,31,2025 to:

Denise Dixon-Cooper
Director of Strategic Communications and Events
Innovation Works
Denise@iwbmore.org