“The Mayor’s Office of Economic Opportunity & Inclusion will provide funds to the contractor(s) to provide strategic marketing technical assistance to at least 25 cannabis equity applicants”
Of the many things that have turned out to be true in the first eight years of cannabis legalization in Massachusetts, two certain facts are: 1 – The City of Boston has been relatively proactive in supporting its weed companies compared to many other big municipalities; and 2 – It’s tough for marijuana businesses to compete, here or anywhere else in the commonwealth.
Those two things considered, it’s fitting for the Hub’s Cannabis Equity Program to be seeking “strategic marketing technical assistance” to boost green retail in the city. Specifically, the “Office of Economic Opportunity & Inclusion (OEOI) is soliciting competitive quotes from vendors who can provide tailored strategic marketing advice and project support to cannabis equity businesses.”
The Written Quote Contract (WQC) request, or bid solicitation, continued, “The selected vendor must be able to provide comprehensive marketing support, ultimately aiming to increase brand awareness, drive customer engagement, and enhance market share in the cannabis industry.”
The WQC noted that Boston is “hoping to solicit competitive quotes from vendors who can provide strategic marketing assistance tailored to the needs of pre-certified and certified equity cannabis businesses. The selected vendor should be able to work along with the business to provide comprehensive marketing support, including creating unique brand identities, developing comprehensive marketing strategies, implementing digital campaigns, and managing social media.”
For its listed “scope of work,” “The Mayor’s Office of Economic Opportunity & Inclusion (OEOI) will provide funds to the contractor(s) to provide strategic marketing technical assistance to at least 25 cannabis equity applicants throughout the City of Boston.”
“Cannabis equity businesses and prospective businesses [will be] identified and selected by the Office of Economic Opportunity & Inclusion (OEOI), in collaboration with the Boston Cannabis Board and other appropriate city departments when applicable. Once selected, OEOI shall facilitate the initial engagement with the contractor. In each case, the contractor will be expected to work directly with the cannabis equity applicant.”
The WQC was issued on Nov. 12, with proposals due this Friday, Dec. 13.
