REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS - MARKETING STRATEGY
November 25, 2025
Innovate Cochrane is seeking proposals from qualified Cochrane and area based marketing strategists/specialists for the creation of its first organizational Marketing Strategy for 2026-2029.
Submission Deadline: December 12, 2025 @ 5:00pm MT
Expected Project Engagement: January-February 2026
Organization Overview
Innovate Cochrane is a local, community-focused non-profit organization dedicated to serving Cochrane, AB, and the surrounding area.
We are governed by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors and managed by contract staff, ensuring operational flexibility and efficiency. Our core strength lies in community building, fostering a collaborative environment where local organizations can thrive.
Innovate Cochrane‘s vision is to support the creation of a vibrant, connected and diverse community in the Town of Cochrane where people can live, work, play, create and prosper. Led by a volunteer Board of Directors, the organization has community building at its heart.
Together with like-minded community organizations, government, our schools, investors, entrepreneurs and experts, we are striving for a thriving, diverse, inclusive community - socially, culturally, and economically - with a lens for innovation in all forms.
Vision
Innovate Cochrane envisions a future where a vibrant, connected community of innovators, entrepreneurs, and business leaders drives economic prosperity, making Cochrane a top choice for future generations to live, play, and work. Through education, collaboration, and the celebration of local entrepreneurial journeys, we foster a community that elevates the quality of life for all.
Strategic Priorities
Programs & Events
Collaboration
Communication & Engagement
Governance
Financial Sustainability
Measurement & Metrics
Project Description and Goals
To develop a comprehensive marketing & communications strategy for 2026-2029 that will support the strategic priorities noted above, with a focus on communication & engagement.
Scope of Work/Deliverables
The strategy & plan (the deliverable) should include:
○ Target Audience Identification and Segmentation (e.g., entrepreneurs, business leaders, community members, potential partners/funders).
○ Key Messaging and Positioning (consistent with the organization's mission and "community innovation" focus).
○ Channel Strategy (determining the most effective channels, including digital, traditional, and events).
○ Content Strategy (recommendations for content types, calendar, and tone). ○ Digital Presence Strategy (recommendations for the website, social media, email). ○ Public Relations/Media Outreach Plan.
○ Measurement and Evaluation Framework (Key Performance Indicators or KPIs to track success).
○ Budget and Resources Requirements (recommending the necessary budget, tools, and human resources for implementation).
The plan will be presented to the Board of Directors.
Proposal Requirements and Submission Details
1. Qualifications/Experience:
● Sector Expertise: Experience with non-profit or community organizations focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, or economic development in a marketing & communications capacity.
● Local: Understanding of the unique culture and community of Cochrane/Bow Valley.
● Marketing Strategy Development: Extensive experience creating comprehensive 3- to 5-year marketing strategies, ideally for a non-profit or community development organization that include:
● Audience Analysis: Defining and segmenting key audiences (entrepreneurs, government, partners, donors, community members).
● Competitive/Environmental Scan (e.g., SWOT): Conducting thorough internal and external analysis to position the organization effectively.
● Core Messaging & Positioning: Defining key narratives, value proposition, and brand guidelines (tone, voice).
● Channel Strategy: Recommending the optimal mix of channels (digital, social, traditional, PR) to reach target audiences.
2. Project Planning & Approach:
○ The ability to provide a clear, phased high-level project plan for strategy implementation, complete with timelines, milestones, and resource requirements (staff/contractors/budget) for the execution
○ Proposed Approach:
○ The vendor's methodology for developing the marketing strategy (e.g., how they conduct research, engage stakeholders, and develop the plan).
○ A description of how you (the vendor) will collaborate with the Innovate Cochrane team.
3. Pricing/Budget:
○ A detailed cost proposal for the contract services to develop the strategy is required. ○ Estimates on any costs associated with project implementation are expected.
Format and Submission Instructions:
○ Up to 5 pages in length, in PDF format via email to
executivedirector@innovatecochrane.com with subject line: MARKETING STRATEGY RFP SUBMISSION.
○ RFP Submission Deadline - Monday December 15, 2025 @ 5:00pm MST.
Decision Timeline & Evaluation Criteria:
○ Decisions will be made in December 2025 with project engagement to start early in 2026.
○ Submissions will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
● Approach to developing the Strategy (40%)
● Experience/Capabilities (40%)
● Pricing & Budget (20%)
Project Timeline: The project is to be completed by February 27, 2026 and will be presented to the Board of Directors.
Questions?
● Website: innovatecochrane.com
● Email executivedirector@innovatecochrane.com with subject line: MARKETING STRATEGY RFP INQUIRY
