Specifications include, but are not limited to: 1. Analysis and ResearchConducting in detail industry analysis, competition analysis, supply chain research, and market research. a. Review of manufacturer’s existing product(s), comparing similar products in themarket, and analyze costs/expenses.b. Review current supply chain vendors and relationships, contracts, servicingfulfillment.c. Review safety, use of hazardous materials, food handling as applicableincluding reports of accidents, workers compensation claims, etc.d. Review the production process for efficiency and effectiveness.e. Review the business and operational process for efficiency and effectiveness,i.e. evaluate the use of technology to streamline the business for efficiency.f. Recommend potential for growth or acceptance within the parameters of costand profitability.g. Provide written report and presentation of findings and recommendations forimprovement.2. Strategic Planning and MarketingProvide detailed advice and services in the areas of strategic planning, venture funding, business and market development and customer communication. Including assistance with e-commerce and digital marketing. a. Review manufacturer’s current business plan and funding recommendationsfor entering or expanding the marketplace. This includes detailed expectationof product volumes.b. Review and provide detailed recommendations for capital needs, sources offinances (including alternate financing options) breaking down costs for goodsand services, operations, personnel, and return on investment by appropriatetime period.c. Provide recommendations for the startup phases, rollout of product, andtracking over the initial 3-5 year period.d. Develop a marketing strategy and recommend media venues for each type ofexposure including a monitoring process. Include costs for each type ofmarketing media.e. Develop detailed plans for message delivery and customer communicationincluding recommending platforms for delivery and providing implementationassistance. Handle all aspects of public relations. 3. Commercialization StrategyDevelopment of commercialization plans with technical teams. a. Review and/or develop detailed plans for each phase including but not limited to roles and responsibilities, measurements for tracking, selection of supply chain vendors, contracting needs for delivery, etc. b. Provide and recommend ways to monitor costs, losses and unexpected events. 4. Additional Services Provide other essential consulting services that are needed, observed or deemed necessary for assisting in the growth or evaluation of the manufacturers’ businessand/or the IH program, i.e. grant writers and proposal preparation, personnel development, organizational structure, energy savings consultants, business and marketing development, occupational safety, food consultants, graphic design, product/prototype design and development, fashion and textile manufacturing, engineering consultants, lean manufacturing, automation, cyber security, shipping/transportation consultants, and similar concepts, etc. HTDC will only evaluate one application per company. HTDC realizes that many applicants will be proficient in multiple areas, especially in related disciplines and with larger teams. But having an applicant highlight their area of specialization is part of the selection process we will use.
