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FoodLab Chicago

Request for Proposal (RFP) for Consultant Services

Issued by: Greater Chatham Initiative 

Location: Chicago, IL


Greater Chatham Initiative (GCI) is seeking proposals from qualified consultants to assist GCI with the execution of the 7.0 Cohort of FoodLab Chicago. The consultant will be responsible for coordinating program delivery over a 6-month engagement period.


About Greater Chatham Initiative

Greater Chatham Initiative (GCI) is a comprehensive community economic development organization that serves as a convener, collaborator, advocate, and fundraiser for four historic Chicago South Side neighborhoods: Avalon Park, Auburn Gresham, Chatham, and Greater Grand Crossing. Our mission is to strategically invest in and uplift these four neighborhoods so that they can continue to be communities of opportunity and choice.


FoodLab Chicago Background

FoodLab Chicago is GCI's flagship business training program supporting food-based businesses with a focus on Chicago’s South Side. Since launching in 2020, FoodLab Chicago has:


  • Supported 105 food entrepreneurs across six cohorts
  • Provided specialized training and technical assistance to restaurants, caterers, food trucks, and specialty food businesses
  • Fostered a vibrant peer learning community of food entrepreneurs

The program uses a place-based cohort model combining a structured curriculum, one-on-one technical assistance, peer learning, and connections to capital and resources. Participants receive training in financial management, operations optimization, menu engineering, marketing, and growth strategies.


Scope of Work

The consultant will be expected to manage the execution of the FoodLab Chicago Cohort, ensuring an exceptional participant experience while maintaining program quality and fidelity to the proven FoodLab Chicago theory of change: “If every plate is profitable, then the business will be profitable.” The role combines program management, instructor and partner coordination, community management among participating entrepreneurs, and program reporting. 


Program & Community Management


  • Coordinate the execution of weekly cohort sessions and additional workshops, managing logistics, instructor scheduling, and participant engagement
  • Manage roster of FoodLab Chicago subject matter experts and technical assistance providers
  • Track program deliverables, timelines, and budget expenditures
  • Maintain participant records and monitor individual business progress
  • Create and analyze pre/post-session surveys and qualitative feedback
  • Facilitate peer learning and collaboration among cohort members


Participant Support & Technical Assistance


  • Conduct check-ins with cohort participants to monitor progress, understand current needs, and address challenges
  • Coordinate with technical assistance providers to deliver one-on-one advising in plate costing, menu engineering, financial management, and business planning according to each business’s needs
  • Connect participants to relevant grant, loan, and resource opportunities
  • In partnership with instructors and technical assistance providers, support accounting software adoption and financial management capacity-building


Reporting & Evaluation


  • Collect and organize participant data, financial statements, and progress reports
  • Monitor program metrics and outcomes against targets through surveys and qualitative data
  • Support grant reporting requirements
  • Document participant success stories and program outcomes


The scope of work will be completed by August 31, 2026.


Proposal Requirements

Strong proposals will demonstrate:


  • Experience in program management and/or operations
  • Track record of community engagement; proven ability to build trust and engage respectfully with community members
  • Strong project and data management skills involving multiple deliverables and stakeholder coordination
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with diverse stakeholders
  • Passion for fostering authentic relationships, community economic development, and driving opportunity for South Side small businesses


While not required, the following qualifications will strengthen a proposal:


  • Familiarity with Auburn Gresham, Avalon Park, Chatham and/or Greater Grand Crossing neighborhoods
  • Demonstrated passion for culinary arts and culture
  • Experience in food service business operations, restaurant management, or culinary business consulting
  • Experience providing business technical assistance, coaching, or training to small business owners
  • Experience with curriculum development or adult learning principles
  • Previous participation in, or familiarity with, cohort-based business programs
  • Experience with impact measurement and program evaluation
  • Relationships with South Side food entrepreneurs or business support organizations


The respondent’s submittal must be packaged as follows:


  • Cover Page – Name, physical address, email address, telephone number of the person(s) who are responsible for submitting the proposal.
  • Table of Contents – list sections within proposal submission for organization of materials with corresponding page numbers, headers and sub headers. 
  • Introduction – including the company profile 
  • Scope of Work – a brief description of how the respondent will navigate the scope of work as detailed in the above section. Please be clear, concise, and complete when responding.
  • Key Personnel – list the person(s) that will address the scope of work.
  • Cost – detail cost breakdown for the services outlined, including hourly rates, equipment fees (if any), and any additional charges.
  • References – provide 2-3 references, past or current, from clients with similar services, including contact information.


Proposals should be submitted to christine@greaterchathaminitiative.org by February 9, 2026 at 5:00PM.