EWOI_Finance_RFP_032526.pdf

This is a Request for Proposals (RFP) issued by the State of California for financial services to support the Employee and Worker Ownership Initiative (EWOI). The initiative seeks a financial services provider to assist businesses in financing expansions and transitions to employee or worker ownership models. The RFP outlines requirements for the selected proposer to develop and implement comprehensive financial support mechanisms, including lending programs, technical assistance, and financing solutions tailored to businesses pursuing employee ownership structures. The proposal submission deadline is March 25, 2026, with evaluation and award determinations to follow the standard procurement review process. The contract term and renewal options will be specified in the final awarded agreement, contingent upon successful proposal evaluation and negotiation with the selected vendor.

The RFP establishes pricing terms and compensation structures to be negotiated during the proposal evaluation phase, with specific funding sources and amounts allocated through California state budget appropriations dedicated to advancing worker and employee ownership initiatives. The procurement may include set-asides or preferences for minority-owned, women-owned, or disadvantaged business enterprises consistent with California procurement policies. Proposers must demonstrate financial capability, relevant experience in business financing and ownership transitions, and understanding of the operational environment surrounding employee and worker ownership models. Additional considerations include the proposer's capacity to serve diverse business sectors and geographic regions throughout California, technical expertise in structuring ownership transitions, and ability to provide ongoing support services beyond initial financing.