RFP: Development of the SSC Financing Plan

Download the RFP here.

RFP Issue Date: May 27, 2026

RFP Closing Date: June 10, 2026 at 4:00 PM Yukon Time

Contract Award: July 3, 2026

Project Period: July 2026 to March 2027 (8 months)

1. Introduction

Sha Shäw Corporation (SSC) invites proposals from qualified consultants or consulting teams to support the development of a Financing Plan for SSC.

SSC is a community-based development corporation owned by Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN), operating within CAFN Traditional Territory. SSC works to advance community and economic development opportunities that benefit CAFN Citizens, citizen-owned businesses, and the broader regional economy.

SSC has completed preliminary scoping work to frame key questions, risks, and opportunities related to its future financing approach. The next phase of work will build on that foundation to develop a practical and implementable financing plan that supports SSC's mandate, long-term sustainability, and evolving role within CAFN's economic development ecosystem.

SSC may invite selected proponents with relevant expertise to submit proposals in addition to publicly posting this opportunity.

2. Project Background

Preliminary work completed to date explored:

  • SSC context, mandate, and historical evolution

  • Comparative review of Yukon First Nation development and community corporations

  • Potential financing models and mechanisms

  • Structural, legal, tax, and governance considerations

  • Alignment with CAFN strategic initiatives

  • Capital requirements and projected growth considerations

  • Key framing questions and implementation challenges

The next phase of work is intended to move from questions and scoping into a practical financing framework and implementation roadmap.

3. Project Objectives

The objectives of this project are to:

  1. Develop a long-term financing framework for SSC.

  2. Identify financing mechanisms and capital pathways appropriate to SSC's mandate and activities.

  3. Clarify options for long-term sustainability while recognizing SSC's role as a community and economic development organization.

  4. Develop recommendations regarding:

    1. capital structure

    2. operating funding

    3. debt considerations

    4. shareholder relationships

    5. revenue generation

    6. partnership opportunities

    7. future capital investment approaches

  5. Develop an implementation roadmap with practical next steps.

4. Scope of Work

The successful proponent will be expected to undertake the following activities:

A. Review and Analysis

Review background materials including:

  • SSC Strategic Plan

  • Financing Plan Scoping Report

  • CAFN/SSC Memorandum of Understanding

  • CAFN Economic Development Strategy

  • CAFN Investment Statement materials

  • Existing SSC financial information and project plans

B. Financing Framework Development

Develop and assess financing approaches including:

  • Operating funding approaches

  • Capital financing models

  • Debt pathways and risk considerations

  • Shareholder investment structures

  • External grant and funding opportunities

  • Revenue generation mechanisms

  • Community benefit and social return considerations

C. Structural and Governance Considerations

Assess:

  • potential complementary corporate structures

  • taxation implications

  • own-source revenue considerations

  • financing relationships between SSC, CAFN, Trust, and related entities

  • governance considerations affecting financing

D. Engagement

Conduct engagement with key stakeholders including:

  • SSC Board

  • SSC Management

  • CAFN representatives

  • CAFN’s other economic entities (DCI & Trust)

The consultant may recommend additional engagement activities.

E. Implementation Roadmap

Prepare a roadmap identifying:

  • short-term actions (1–2 years)

  • medium-term actions (3–5 years)

  • long-term actions (5–10 years)

Include:

  • priorities

  • risks

  • dependencies

  • funding opportunities

  • key decisions required

5. Deliverables

Deliverables are anticipated to include:

Deliverables and Timing

Project workplan and kickoff meeting: July 2026

Background review summary and approach: July–August 2026

Interim findings presentation: October 2026

Draft Financing Plan: November 2026

Presentation to SSC Board: December 2027

Presentation to SSC Shareholder: February 2027

Final Financing Plan and implementation roadmap: March 2027

Additional presentations may be requested.

6. Budget

SSC has approved funding of approximately $20,000 for this work.

SSC reserves the right to negotiate scope based on available funding.

7. Proposal Requirements

Proposals should include:

Company/Consultant Information

  • consultant or company profile

  • project lead and team members

  • relevant qualifications

Experience

Demonstrated experience in:

  • First Nations economic development

  • corporate financing strategies

  • community development corporations

  • First Nation governance structures

  • strategic and financial planning

  • The CAFN economic entities structure

Project Understanding and Methodology

  • understanding of project objectives

  • proposed approach

  • workplan and timeline

  • engagement methodology

References

Minimum two relevant project references.

8. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated using the following criteria:

Criteria/Weight

  • Understanding of project and proposed methodology: 30%

  • Relevant experience and qualifications: 30%

  • CAFN and/or northern experience: 20%

  • Budget and value: 20%

SSC reserves the right not to accept the lowest-cost proposal.

9. Submission Information

Proposals must be received no later than:

June 10, 2026
4:00 PM Yukon Time

Submit proposals electronically to:

Kari Johnston
Chief Executive Officer
Sha Shäw Corporation

Email: ceo@shashaw.ca
Phone: 867-332-9962

Questions regarding this RFP may be directed to Kari Johnston.

10. Additional Information

SSC reserves the right to:

  • accept or reject any proposal

  • request clarification from proponents

  • negotiate scope and budget

  • cancel or amend this RFP process

SSC is not responsible for costs incurred by proponents in preparing submissions.