BC Food & Beverage is seeking proposals from qualified Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to develop on-demand training videos to help processors grow and scale their businesses and elevate their leadership skills. This initiative is in support of the associations’ new professional development portal (launching this Fall). By leaning on the experience of food leaders and industry vendors, BC Food & Beverage is building a best-in-class training platorm we can all be proud of. 

 

Proposal Requirements 

Training proposals should be no more than (3) pages and must include a brief overview of your qualifications and experience—particularly in relation to the agri-food sector—links to relevant curriculum or presentation samples (if possible), a detailed syllabus outlining the areas of focus and key learning points for each module, a description of any accompanying supportive materials, and contact information. 

SMEs can draw from suggested topics (listed in the Subject Matter Thought Starters below) or propose their own for consideration based on their expertise.   

Each training proposal needs to fit one of the following curriculum formats:  

• Tutorial (45-min). A training video with bite-sized modules (5-10min ea.) that addresses a “How to…” challenge, opportunity, tool, or best-practice and be technical or practical in nature. Curriculum can include terminology, relevant history, industry examples and step-by-step instructions (if applicable).
   
• Workshop (90-min). A training video with robust modules (10-15min ea.) that guides food and beverage professionals through a “Deep dive” on a subject they want to approach more strategically, navigate faster, or optimize for results. Curriculum should include expert insights, demonstrate data-supported learnings and illustrate key learnings through first-hand case studies.  

 

Depth of Training 

Proposals should state if the subject matter and teaching approach is relevant to food processors that are: 

• At one of the following stages of growth: Emerging (focused on BC growth) or Enterprise (focused on CA/US+ growth).  

• At one of the following levels of learning: Essential (introductory)—looking to widen their knowledge base or more Advanced (detailed)—looking to build off their operational knowledge.   

 

 Brand Agnostic Training 

 The goal is to develop curriculum that can stand the test of time, serve a wide range of professionals, and help our food industry thrive with new-found knowledge regardless of brand, supplier, vendor, software, or service provider. Proposals will be given preferential treatment if they are agnostic wherever possible. 

 

Evaluation Criteria 

Proposals will be evaluated based on: 

• Relevant expertise and experience in, or serving, the food and beverage industry 

• Quality of the proposal and clarity of the teaching plan  
• Relevant topic with compelling insights and action items for students  

 

Note: If you plan to propose multiple subjects you’ll need to submit a separate proposal for each. Up to fourteen (14) tutorials and seven (7) workshops will be selected during this inaugural RFP, please know some unsuccessful proposal may simply be better suited for future rounds of curriculum development.   

 

Timeline 

Here’s the key dates and times associated with this initiative:  

• The proposal submission deadline is 1:00pm PT on June 28, 2024.  
• Successful SMEs will be notified no later than 5:00pm PT on July 5, 2024.  
• Curriculum must be completed by 5:00pm PT on August 20, 2024.  

Note: Deadline extensions can be requested within your proposal.  

 

Submission & Contact Information 

Please submit your proposal (and any questions) by email to growthhub@bcfb.ca.  

 

Curriculum Development Fees 

 Renumeration for the SME will be a flat-fee as follows:  

• 45-min Tutorial ($3,500) plus a $300 “ask the expert” honorarium  
• 90-min Workshop ($6,000) plus a $500 “ask the expert” honorarium  

 

Note: The additional honorarium is for the SME to support the launch of their training resource and ensure a quality student experience during the first three (3) months. 

 

Curriculum Deliverables 

For future reference, successful proposals will require SMEs to develop their courseware deliverables on behalf of BC Food & Beverage:  

1. High quality 45-min or 90-min on-camera / screen recording presentation  

1. Well-formatted, easy to read slideware using the template and virtual background provided 

1. Student materials, such as a PDF workbook, Excel spreadsheet, checklists and/or templates 

1. Q&A bonus video highlighting and addressing relevant FAQs  

1. Short multiple choice knowledge test so students can demonstrate aptitude and retention  

1. Accurate English video transcripts 

 

Video Requirements, Templates & Approval Process 

Once a proposal has been approved BC Food & Beverage will provide video / audio technical requirements for the SME to perform the self-recording which will take place in their own environment with their own equipment.  

Intro/outro scripts and branded slideware, virtual backgrounds, and resource templates will also be provided. Completed training videos will be considered pending until they’re approved by the association, at which time the SME will receive payment. Revision rounds may be requested. 

Note: Some courseware may be selected for translation into other languages, proposals don’t need to take this into consideration.  

 

Further Commitments 

Upon the approval of a proposal, the SME, and their company, will need to agree to and sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement, Master Services Agreement, Statement of Work, and an Intellectual Property Agreement.  

Instructors will be invited to participate in the Verified BC Food & Beverage Advisor program which will help them gain in-depth knowledge of the BC food industry and acquire/maintain a professional designation. SMEs will be the dedicated “Ask an Expert” contact for their associated training video only if they are an active member of the association.   

 

Subject Matter Thought Starters 

Training categories are focus (but not limited to) leadership, operations, manufacturing, workforce, finance, sales, and marketing for food and beverage professionals. Here are some of the topics our members have requested—Subject Matter Experts are encouraged to consider selecting from this list or make recommendations of their own (titles are suggestions only): 

How to Successfully Sell on Amazon  Understanding Consumer Behaviors  Deep Dive into Consumer Data Analysis  Leveraging Retail Data Analysis  Effective Retail Relationship Management  Amplifying Your Key Retail Accounts  Navigating Retail Chargebacks and Fines  How to Handle Product Recalls Efficiently  Fast-track to Exporting Products  Setting and Achieving Brand Goals  Strategies for Effective Business Planning  Improving Time Management Skills  Essentials of Project Planning  Skills for Successful Negotiation  Planning and Managing a Profit & Loss   Succeeding in the Food Service Industry  Building an Effective Team  Creating a Positive Workplace Culture  Developing Effective Workplace Policies & Procedures

Forecasting Finances Accurately  Best Practices in Inventory Management  Recruiting and Retaining Top Talent  Refreshing Your Brand Effectively  Navigating Package Design Regulations  Enhancing Brand Awareness  Effective Consumer Marketing Strategies  Ensuring Ingredient Traceability  Building Impact through CSR and ESG  Maximizing Your Distribution Partnerships  Mastering the Art of Merchandising  Fundraising Strategies for Startups  Building Strong Investor Relations  Securing Grants and Funding  Navigating Legal Challenges  Preparing for Mergers and Acquisitions  Enhancing the DTC Experience  Creating Effective Omni-channel Campaigns  Designing Sales Collateral and POS Sheets  Innovating with Effective Packaging Solutions