TEDCO Requests Proposals for the 2026 Community Development Financial Institutions Technical Assistance Services
Proposal submissions due by Monday, November 2, 2026
COLUMBIA, Md., (October 1, 2026) — TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announces the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP), seeking qualified (CDFIs) to provide technical assistance services through its Business Resource Information, Development & Guidance Ecosystem (BRIDGE) program. The initiative is designed to help Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individual (SEDI)- owned businesses and Very Small Businesses (VSBs) improve access to capital and achieve long-term financial stability throughout Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and the District of Columbia.
Through the BRIDGE Program, selected CDFIs will provide individualized financial consultations, credit-building support, financial literacy education, loan-readiness assistance and guidance throughout the lending process. The services are intended to help entrepreneurs overcome barriers to accessing capital and strengthen their ability to secure loans, investments, grants and contracting opportunities.
“Many small businesses face challenges navigating the financial systems and requirements necessary to access capital,” said Kim Mozingo, vice president of Federal Programs at TEDCO. “This opportunity will allow TEDCO to collaborate with experienced CDFIs that can provide practical financial guidance and technical assistance to help entrepreneurs strengthen their financial readiness and pursue new opportunities for growth.”
Businesses referred through BRIDGE Advisors will directly select CDFIs to assess financial needs, improve credit readiness, develop financial projections, prepare required documentation and identify appropriate funding sources.
“The BRIDGE Program is focused on helping entrepreneurs build the foundation needed for long-term financial success,” said April Davis Hurtt, lead BRIDGE advisor at TEDCO. “By connecting businesses with dedicated technical assistance providers, we can help ensure they have access to the resources, education, and support necessary to become stronger candidates for capital and investment opportunities.”
TEDCO anticipates awarding contracts to up to four qualified CDFIs with approximately $100,000 annually available to each selected contractor over a two-year engagement. Respondents should demonstrate experience providing financial counseling, credit support, loan application assistance and related services for small businesses, particularly SEDI-owned businesses and VSBs.
“Access to capital remains one of the most significant challenges facing many entrepreneurs and small business owners,” said Troy LeMaile-Stovall, CEO of TEDCO. “Through the BRIDGE Program, we are working to connect businesses with resources and technical assistance that can help them strengthen their financial readiness, navigate funding opportunities and build a foundation for sustainable growth.”
Questions regarding the RFP must be submitted in writing to bridge@tedcomd.com by October 15, 2026. Complete proposals must be received by 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday, November 2, 2026.
Read the full RFP here.
