Seeking to bolster small creative businesses still grappling with the aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic, officials are banking on the revival of "The Mixer," a workshop series aimed at delivering the resources and connections necessary for economic rebound. The city is on the hunt for a production consultant or team with the chops to relaunch the initiative, a contract that could pocket them up to $150,000 for their endeavors, according to the official announcement.

With a deadline lurking around the corner – March 1, 2024, to be exact, a detail disclosed in the posted Request for Qualifications – the program specifically aims to level the playing field for BIPOC, and WMBE-owned outfits that took the brunt of the pandemic's economic stranglehold. Bringing back The Mixer is not just about patching up the past, but fortifying these businesses against the volatile tides of consumer behavior, and the fickleness of social dynamics.

The Mixer isn't just another run-of-the-mill workshop series. It's envisaged as a fertile ground for networking, skill-building, and accessing information specific to the needs of the creative sectors. Spring is circled on the calendar for the anticipated kickoff, with the goal to maintain momentum through regular events until December 2024. The chosen producer will not only coordinate programming but also wrangle industry experts, handle logistics, and oversee the filming and editing processes of the program.

But this isn't a gig for rookies. The city's requirements are a tall order – a proven track record with not only in-person event mastery but also engaging with minority businesses, and neighborhoods that have long been at the socioeconomic short end of the stick. Beyond that, expertise in marketing to reel in attendees, and the know-how to manage large-scale shindigs of over a hundred people, are non-negotiable. Just as critical is an inside-out knowledge of the creative industry, to ensure The Mixer speaks directly, and effectively to those it aims to serve.

Through strategic collaboration and targeted support, The Mixer hopes to rewrite the story for small creative businesses post-pandemic. They've laid out the plan, the budget is set, and now, it's in the hands of a capable production team to bring this vision to life. For those eyeing an opportunity not only to bank a paycheck but also to make a tangible difference in the creative community, the race is on to meet the looming March 1st application deadline.