Public Relations (PR) & Strategic Communications Services

INTRODUCTION

Detroit Elevate is seeking proposals from qualified Public Relations (PR) firms to support our communications, brand visibility, and stakeholder engagement efforts. The selected firm will work closely with our team to enhance our public image, increase awareness of our programs, and deliver strategic communications aligned with organizational goals.

BACKGROUND

Detroit Elevate represents TechTown and the Gilbert Family Foundation’s commitment to cultivating the Detroit second stage business ecosystem. Our primary mission is to help elevate Detroit’s growth stage entrepreneurs by impacting their business through targeting their needs and giving them resources. In collaboration with founding partners TechTown and Gilbert Family Foundation, we are dedicated to developing local entrepreneurs through initiatives that grow network access and provide robust programming. This includes workshops, gatherings, panels, and educational events hosted in Detroit. TechTown is a prominent non-profit entrepreneurship hub and business accelerator. To illustrate this holistic impact and engage our stakeholders, we require professional and visual assets that showcase both our second stage business owners and our vibrant community events.

SCOPE OF WORK

The scope of work will have a maximum cap of $20,000 to be paid out to the PR firm that is chosen. TechTown will be reviewing all proposals and has the right to refuse any proposal if it is not a good fit for the Elevate Program. The PR firm will be expected to provide services for one year that include:

• Media Relations (Local & National): Securing coverage in top-tier local and national outlets, with a specific focus on Brick and Mortar and E-Commerce verticals.
• Entrepreneur Storytelling: Proven ability to create compelling, human-centric narratives for Entrepreneurs and Second stage business ventures that resonate with investors and the public.
• Growth-Centered Storytelling: Developing a consistent narrative that aligns strictly with our brand identity and mission.
• Social Media Management: Full management of platforms (specifically Instagram), including strategy, copy, and engagement.
• Event & Promotional Content: Generation of promotional content for events and launches to drive attendance and visibility.
• Distribution Strategy: Management of both Physical and Digital distribution of materials to print and digital media outlets.
• Cross-Vendor Collaboration: Collaboration with Detroit Elevates content capture and production partner (e.g., photography, video, and multimedia) to ensure cohesive storytelling, effective use of visual assets, and alignment across earned, owned, and shared media.
• Crisis communication guidance (as needed).