RFP – Community Efficiency Financing: Brand and Website Development

Background

econext, a non-profit association working to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), is currently in the process of launching a new residential retrofit program in St. John’s, NL. This initiative is designed to help homeowners improve energy efficiency through energy audits, guided support and low-interest financing. econext will also facilitate industry training to support capacity building. By helping residents navigate retrofits while reducing financial barriers, this program will help more homeowners take action to improve energy efficiency, lower utility bills, and reduce their environmental footprint.

Objective

The objective of this scope of work is to create a compelling visual identity, and develop an accessible website that drives engagement from the public and industry professionals. This website will be a key piece of the application process, and will host information and FAQs for interested parties to learn more and assess their own benefits.

The deadline for proposals is 4:30 PM NDT May 21, 2025.

Download RFP

Please Note: An updated copy of the RFP was released on May 16, 2025. 



Questions and Answers

Answers provided by econext relating to the RFP will be posted here.

What is econext‘s role in this program, will they be providing the loans and energy audits?

econext will be facilitating and helping guide homeowners through the retrofit process, by connecting them with the appropriate parties to offer these services. econext will not be conducting the energy audits or financial services itself. Further information on the program’s process will be discussed with the successful applicant.

Who will be the main audience for this initiative? 

The primary audience for this program will be homeowners based in the St. John’s area. econext will also work to engage those in the industry who may be involved in the home renovation process, to make them aware of the service and the benefits to themselves or their clients.

Will econext be offering renovation grants through this program? 

No. econext will work to help make participants aware of existing grants or supports, and assist them in applying to relevant initiatives.

How closely should the new brand align with econext’s existing visual identity?

This brand must be able to be a subset of econext’s activities and stand apart from the main econext brand in order for the program to be scalable.

Will the vendor need to be located within Canada, or can the work be completed from international locations?

Vendors may be based internationally; however, they must maintain a Canadian-based office to ensure effective communication and facilitate meetings across time zones. econext is headquartered in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Will the vendor be required to build a cost-saving calculator from scratch? Are there any other details you can provide about this feature?

For the purpose of this proposal, proponents can exclude this scope of work.

 

Net Zero Community Accelerator (NCA) Energy Mapping & CEEP Workshop – Stephenville


Location: Stephenville
Date: May 14, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (local time)

As part of the Net Zero Community Accelerator (NCA) Project with partnership with QUEST Canada, this full-day, in-person workshop will focus on:

  • Mapping current community-wide energy use and greenhouse gas emissions
  • Identifying opportunities for energy efficiency and emissions reduction
  • Laying the groundwork for a Community Energy and Emissions Plan (CEEP)
  • Exploring local strategies to support clean growth and net-zero targets

This session will bring together municipal staff, local stakeholders, and community organizations to support Stephenville’s transition toward a more sustainable, climate-resilient future. Additional details, including venue information, will be shared as they are confirmed.

For more information, please contact Sara Jafari at mailto:sara@econext.ca.

Net Zero Community Accelerator (NCA) Energy Mapping & CEEP Workshop – Corner Brook


Location: Corner Brook
Date: May 13, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (local time)

As part of the Net Zero Community Accelerator (NCA) Project with partnership with QUEST Canada, this full-day, in-person workshop will focus on:

  • Mapping current community-wide energy use and greenhouse gas emissions
  • Identifying opportunities for energy efficiency and emissions reduction
  • Laying the groundwork for a Community Energy and Emissions Plan (CEEP)
  • Exploring local strategies to support clean growth and net-zero targets

This session will bring together municipal staff, local stakeholders, and community organizations to support Corner Brook’s pathway toward a low-carbon, sustainable future. More details, including the confirmed venue, will be shared as they become available.

For more information, please contact Sara Jafari at mailto:sara@econext.ca.

Green Roots – Corner Brook Edition


Empowering Newcomers for Careers in the Green Economy – Corner Brook Edition

Are you a newcomer to Canada looking to build your career in the green economy? The Green Roots Career Series offers a unique opportunity to develop essential job-seeking skills, expand your network, and connect with potential employers. Through workshops, participants will gain valuable insights and even have a chance to secure an internship with a participating company.

*While attendance at each workshop not mandatory for program participation, it is highly encouraged to give applicants the best chance at securing an internship.

Upcoming Events

Workshop: Power Up Your Personal Brand + Grow Your Network
Location: MUN Grenfell Campus, Corner Brook
Date: Thursday, May 1st, 2025 | 10:00 a.m.
RSVP Here

Open House: Industry Connector Event
Location:  City of Corner Brook
Date: Friday, May 2nd, 2025 | 10:00 a.m.
RSVP Here

Internship Selection

At the conclusion of the events, one participant from the Corner Brook region will be selected for an internship with a participating company.
Internship Duration: May – July
Eligibility: Newcomer to Canada

This is your chance to kickstart your career in a growing industry!

Green Roots – A Learning and Networking Career Series


Empowering Newcomers for Careers in the Green Economy

Are you a newcomer to Canada looking to build your career in the green economy? The Green Roots Career Series offers a unique opportunity to develop essential job-seeking skills, expand your network, and connect with potential employers. Through a series of four workshops and five company connector events, participants will gain valuable insights and even have a chance to secure an internship with a participating company.

*While attendance at each workshop and connector event is not mandatory for program participation, it is highly encouraged to give applicants the best chance at securing an internship.

* Participants can continue to sign up to attend future events, even if the program is underway. 

Register Now

Upon registration, applicants will be emailed upcoming events details.

Upcoming Workshops

Power Up Your Personal Brand

📅 April 1, 2025 – 10 AM (COMPLETE)
📍 Online
Learn how to build a compelling personal brand that stands out in today’s job market.

Grow Your Network

📅 April 8, 2025 – 10 AM 
📍 In-person,  Sheraton Hotel: 115 Cavendish Square, St. John’s, NL
Master networking skills and learn how to create meaningful professional connections.

Combined Workshop: Power Up Your Personal Brand + Grow Your Network

📅 April 29, 2025
📍 In-person, Corner Brook
A two-day immersive workshop to strengthen both your personal brand and networking strategies.

Accelerate Your Interview Skills

📅 April 23, 2025 – 10 AM
📍 Online
Gain confidence and learn key techniques to excel in job interviews.

*Additional times to be shared with program participants’ email.

Company Connector Events

Throughout April, we’re hosting five networking events where program participants can meet and engage with potential employers in the green economy sector by visiting their office spaces. These events will give you direct access to industry professionals, and valuable career opportunities.

Participants who register for this program will be emailed the dates and times of these events, along with the RSVP form.

Participants can continue to sign up to attend future events. Registration for this program does not guarantee attendance at company connector events, as RSVP forms will be sent out on a first-come, first-served basis.  

Internship Selection

At the conclusion of the Company Connector Events, five participants will be selected for internships with companies they connected with during the events.
Internship Duration: May – July
Eligibility: Newcomer to Canada

This is your chance to kickstart your career in a growing industry!

📢 Don’t Miss Out! Register now to secure your spot in this exciting career series program.

🔗 Click Here to Register

For more information, stay connected and check back for updates on event details!

This program was made possible through support provided by the Government of Newfoundland & Labrador.

Green Horizons: Career Opportunities in NL’s Green Economy

 

Exploring Career Pathways in Newfoundland & Labrador’s Green Economy

Date: March 25, 2025
Location: Holiday Inn, 180 Portugal Cove,  St. John’s NL / Online
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM

Newfoundland and Labrador’s green economy is expanding, creating new career opportunities. This event is designed for individuals looking to enter or transition into the green economy. Attendees will gain insights into workforce opportunities while networking with employers and industry leaders.

Click Here to Register

Why Attend?

• Learn about career opportunities.
• Gain insights into training programs and certification pathways.
• Connect with industry experts and professionals.
• Participate in interactive and networking activities.

Event Agenda (this agenda is subject to potential changes

09:30 AM – 10:00 AM | Registration & Welcome Coffee

10:00 AM – 10:15 AM | Opening Remarks

10:15 AM – 10:30 AM | Success Stories

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM | Green Economy Interactive Game

11:00 AM – 11:15 AM | Green Horizons

11:15 AM – 12:15 PM | Panel Discussion: Career Pathways to the Green Economy in NL

• NL Hydro
• College of the North Atlantic
• Office to Advance Women Apprentices NL
• Angler Solutions
• SEM Ltd.

12:15 PM – 12:30 PM | econav Launch & Closing Remarks

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Lunch & Networking

In-person spaces are limited. Secure your spot today! Can’t attend in-person? Join with our virtual ticket, and you will receive a link to watch this event.

For more information, contact ogaga@econext.ca.

WORKSHOP: Opportunities for Digital, Remote, and Autonomous Operations in Clean Energy

Date: March 18, 2025
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Location: Co. Innovation Centre | 710 Torbay Rd (Suite A), St. John’s NL A1A 5G9

At this workshop, SEM Ltd. will present on recent research undertaken examining the potential for the application and development of digital, remote, and autonomous operations technologies within Newfoundland and Labrador’s clean energy industry. A facilitated discussion will follow to help better define priorities and explore potential collaborative industry-led research and development projects.

Workshop Objective:

To advance a conversation locally on the potential for innovation within Newfoundland and Labrador’s clean energy industry relating to digital, remote, and autonomous operations.

Ideal Workshop Participants:

Representatives from businesses within the province who develop and/or provide digital, remote, and/or autonomous operations technologies or services who are curious about their potential application within Newfoundland and Labrador’s emerging clean energy industry.

Registration

Participation is free, but registration is required.

>Register Now!

WEBINAR – Preventing Financial Fraud for Small Businesses

Join econext and TD as we explore ways to protect your organization from financial fraud. Staff from TD Commercial Banking will provide an overview of the current fraud landscape, identify the current schemes used by fraudsters, and present concrete actions businesses can take to implement controls to help combat fraud.

A short, moderated Q&A will follow this FREE presentation brought to you by econext and TD!

Date: Wednesday April 2, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Location: Zoom
Cost: FREE!

Click Here to Register

WEBINAR – Project Zero econext Circular Economy Incubator

What is the circular economy? In our largely linear economy, most of the products we purchase are manufactured from raw materials and are destined to end up in landfills or our oceans after just a few uses. In a circular economy, materials and goods are designed to remain in the system through innovation, reuse and repair, redistribution, reconditioning, and recycling.

This webinar will provide a comprehensive overview of the Project Zero econext Incubator, a FREE application-based six-month program designed to support circular ventures.

Participants in the online session will learn more about the structure and schedule for the initiative, the application process, and details on coaching, workshops, and resources available to successful applicants!

Date: Tuesday March 18, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Click Here to Register

For any questions regarding this webinar or the Project Zero econext Incubator, please e-mail incubator@econext.ca.

WEBINAR – Government of NL – Climate Change Challenge Fund

Newfoundland and Labrador’s Climate Change Challenge Fund (CCCF) is a competitive, application-based grant program designed to enable businesses, industry, municipalities, Indigenous organizations and public sector entities to undertake greenhouse gas reduction projects in Newfoundland and Labrador.

This $12-million investment in the province’s Climate Change Challenge Fund aims to improve energy efficiency, create economic growth, and effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Join econext for a webinar with representatives from the Department of Environment and Climate Change where project eligibility will be outlined and questions answered.

Date: Thursday March 13, 2025
Time: 10:00am – 11:00am NDT

Further information on application eligibility and guidelines is available here. The deadline to apply is April 11, 2025.

Click Here to Register