Friends of Southwest Virginia (“Friends”) invites qualified contractors, consultants, and firms to submit proposals to support the implementation of the Southwest Virginia Creative Economy Assessment and Development Initiative. Friends recognizes the need for a comprehensive evaluation of the region’s creative assets and their economic impact. This initiative aims to address this imperative by undertaking a rigorous assessment and establishing essential tools for informed decision-making.

Through a systematic approach encompassing asset mapping, economic analysis, the development of a Creative Economy Dashboard, and crafting a strategy for the next decade, this initiative will provide stakeholders with actionable insights to guide strategic planning and future resource allocation. By engaging stakeholders from diverse sectors, including government, business, tourism, education, and the arts, the project will foster collaboration and collective action to capitalize on the region’s creative economy potential.

See the full RFP and apply HERE: https://friendsofswva.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/12.17.2025-SWVA-Creative-Economy-Tourism-Workforce-Initiative-RFP.pdf

See the Q&A document HERE: https://friendsofswva.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/1.14.2026-Southwest-Virginia-Creative-Economy-Assessment-Development-Initiative-QA.pdf

Proposal Deadline: January 21, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. EST Late submissions will not be considered. (no exceptions)

All questions must be submitted in writing no later than January 9, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. EST