NEW HAVEN FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Ives Main Library Café — RFP Companion Guide

133 Elm Street, New Haven, CT | RFP #2026-0X-XXXX

This guide explains the official RFP in plain language. It is a companion document — not a replacement. Always refer to the official RFP for binding requirements.

What Is This Guide?

The City of New Haven has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) asking local food and beverage businesses to apply to run the café inside the Ives Main Library. The official RFP is a legal document written in formal language — which can be hard to understand.

This Companion Guide was created to help you understand what the RFP is asking for, in plain and simple English. It walks you through every section, tells you what to write, and shows you sample answers to help get you started.

⚠ IMPORTANT

This guide is for reference only. The official RFP governs all binding legal requirements.

Sample answers in this guide are illustrative examples — your proposal must reflect your own real business, real numbers, and genuine vision.

For the official RFP and required forms, visit: https://newhavenct.bonfirehub.com/portal

Quick Facts at a Glance

What is this? The New Haven Free Public Library (NHFPL) is looking for a local business to run a café inside the Ives Main Library.

Where? 133 Elm Street, New Haven, CT — on the historic New Haven Green. One of the most visited spots in the city.

Who can apply? Any for-profit or non-profit business. Local New Haven businesses are given preference.

Proposal deadline March (Date tentative), 2026 by 11:00 AM

Intent to respond deadline

March (Date tentative), 2026 (one day before — tell them you plan to apply)

Pre-proposal meeting March (Date tentative), 2026 at 10:00 AM at Ives Library — attend to see the space and ask questions

Contract length 1 year, with up to 3 renewals (renewals are the Library's choice)

How to submit Online only — through the City portal at https://newhavenct.bonfirehub.com/portal. No paper submissions accepted.

Questions? Submit written questions through the portal. No phone calls or walk-in questions accepted.

The Opportunity — Why This Is Worth Applying For

The Ives Main Library welcomes nearly 300,000 visitors every year. It is open Monday–Thursday 10am–8pm and Friday–Saturday 10am–5pm (Sunday hours may be added). At any given time, 80– 100+ people are in the building, plus 25–30 library staff.

The café sits on the main floor, right next to the brand-new 'Ives Squared' makerspace — a hub for entrepreneurship, technology, and community programs. The café is meant to be the social heart of this space.

What You Get as the Café Partner

• ~1,800 sq ft of café space total — about 900 sq ft inside + 975 sq ft outdoor patio (seasonal)

• Major commercial equipment already installed — espresso machine, refrigerators, sinks, prep tables

• Library provides seating, tables, bar stools, and a sound system (indoor + patio)

• Free Wi-Fi for you and your customers

• Built-in foot traffic from 300,000 annual library visitors

• First priority to cater all library events and programs (extra income opportunity)

• Utilities included in the lease — you are not billed separately for electricity and water

• 1-year contract with 3 possible renewals — long-term stability if you perform well

Not allowed: No alcohol may be sold. The café cannot be used for private fundraisers or after-hours events (unless it directly benefits the library). Everything must be open to the public during library hours.

Section 1 — The Space & Equipment

Here is a breakdown of the physical space you would be running:

Area Size Notes

Service counter area 174 sq ft Behind the main 26-foot counter where you work

Food prep/storage room 128 sq ft Back-of-house storage and prep area

Interior seating ~900 sq ft Inside the library — open year-round

Outdoor patio ~975 sq ft Faces Elm Street — open spring, summer, and fall

TOTAL usable space ~1,800 sq ft Combined indoor + outdoor

Equipment — What the Library Provides (At No Cost to You)

Already installed in the space

Espresso machine, coffee grinder, marble top stand, Twin 1.5-gallon brewer, behind-counter tiled prep table with sink (96" wide), sandwich/salad prep table (60" wide), sneeze guard, 2 hand wash sinks, 3-basin wash sink with drain board, utility sink

Library will also provide Display/self-serve refrigerator case (60" wide), reach-in refrigerator + freezer (36" wide each), under-counter ice maker (100 lbs/day), under-counter refrigerator (48" wide)

Seating & amenities Bar stools, tables, and chairs (indoor + patio), retractable awning on patio, patio lighting, full indoor/outdoor sound system

Equipment — What YOU Must Bring

You are responsible for providing and maintaining these items:

Cash register / Point-of-Sale (POS) system

Required — you buy and maintain this yourself

Panini grill Based on your menu

Convection oven Based on your menu

Blender Based on your menu

Soup warmer Based on your menu

Note: Food can be prepared off-site and brought in for sale — you do not need a full on-site kitchen operation. The Library expects most food to be prepped elsewhere and warmed/assembled here.

Section 2 — Important Dates & How to Submit

March (Date tentative), 2026 — 10:00 AM

PRE-PROPOSAL MEETING at Ives Library. Attend to tour the space, meet library staff, and ask questions. This is optional but strongly encouraged.

March (Date tentative), INTENT TO RESPOND DUE. Tell the City you plan to submit a proposal by this date.

March (Date tentative), 2026 — 11:00 AM

PROPOSAL DEADLINE. Your full proposal must be submitted online. Late submissions are not accepted — no exceptions.

How to Submit Your Proposal

• Go to https://newhavenct.bonfirehub.com/portal

• Create an account or log in

• Find RFP #2026-0X-XXXX and follow the instructions to upload your proposal

• You can edit and update your submission up until the deadline

• No paper copies are accepted — digital only

How to Ask Questions

All questions must be submitted in writing through the portal — no phone calls, walk-ins, or emails accepted.

Go to the portal, find the RFP, and use the "Opportunity Q&A" section to submit your question.

Questions must be submitted at least 7 business days before March (Date tentative) (so by approximately March Date tentative).

Answers will be posted publicly as official "Addenda" — check the portal regularly for updates. You are responsible for any changes posted, even if you didn't see them.

Section 3 — What the Library Is Looking For

The Library wants more than just a food vendor — they want a partner who understands the library's mission of community, inclusion, and access. Here is what they are specifically looking for:

Affordable, quality food & drink

Breakfast items, lunch, snacks, and beverages — espresso, coffee, tea, smoothies. Prices must be reasonable and accessible for all income levels.

Local & culturally diverse offerings

Food that reflects New Haven's diverse communities — Caribbean, Latin American, West African, and more. Farm-to-table and seasonal ingredients are a plus.

Community connection Staff hired from New Haven. Events that engage library users. A welcoming space for everyone.

Catering capacity You will have first priority to cater all library events. You must show you have an off-site kitchen or prep facility to handle catering orders.

Stable, long-term operation

The Library wants someone who is serious, organized, and can run this professionally for years.

Mission alignment The café must support — not conflict with — the library's values of openness, education, and inclusion.

Section 4 — What to Write in Your Proposal

Your proposal is organized into the following parts. Each section below explains what the RFP is asking for and shows a sample answer you can adapt.

All sample answers below are for illustration only. Do NOT copy them word for word. The selection committee reads many proposals — they will notice. Write in your own voice and use your own real details.

Part 1 — Introduction (On Your Letterhead)

Submit this on your business letterhead. Include your business name, address, phone number, and email at the top.

What to include:

• Legal name of your business

• Date your business was started

• Type of business (LLC, sole proprietor, corporation, nonprofit — and if a corporation, which state)

• Your Tax ID number (EIN or SSN)

• How many years you have been in business under this name

• Names and titles of all owners, and a brief background on each person

Required notarized statement: Your introduction must include this exact sentence on your letterhead, signed and notarized:

"The undersigned hereby authorizes and requests any persons, firm or corporation to furnish any information requested by the City of New Haven in verification of the recitals comprising this response."

Take this to a notary public to have it signed and stamped. Many banks offer free notary services.

📝 SAMPLE ANSWER — For Illustration Only

These are examples only. Replace all highlighted content with your own real information, real numbers, and genuine business story.

Maria's Kitchen LLC

123 Grand Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511 | (203) 555-0198 | maria@mariaskitchen.com

Legal Name: Maria's Kitchen LLC

Date Organized: January 15, 2019 — registered with the State of Connecticut, Registration No.

1234567

Business Type: Single-Member LLC

Tax ID (EIN): 12-3456789

Years in Business: 5 years operating under the name Maria's Kitchen

Ownership: Maria Santos, Owner & Operator. Maria has 12 years of experience in the food service industry, including 5 years as a catering business owner and 7 years as head cook at two New Haven restaurants. She was born and raised in Fair Haven and is passionate about serving her community.

I, Maria Santos, hereby authorize and request any persons, firm or corporation to furnish any information requested by the City of New Haven in verification of the recitals comprising this response.

_______________________________ Date: ___________

Maria Santos, Owner, Maria's Kitchen LLC

[NOTARY SEAL]

Part 2 — Your Concept & Business Plan

This is the heart of your proposal. Tell the committee who you are, what you want to serve, how you will run the café, and why you are the right partner for the library.

2A — Proposal Overview

Give a full description of your café concept. Explain what kind of café you want to run and how it fits with the library's goals. Be specific — general answers are not scored well.

What the committee wants to hear

• Why do YOU want this specific opportunity?

• How does your concept fit inside a public library?

• What makes your café different or special?

• How does your vision support the library's mission of education, community, and inclusion?

numbers, and genuine business story.

My name is Maria Santos, founder of Maria's Kitchen LLC, a catering and café business rooted in New Haven's Fair Haven neighborhood. I have been part of New Haven's food community for 12 years, and the Ives Library has been a gathering place for my family since we arrived in this city.

My vision for the NHFPL café is simple: a neighborhood kitchen where every library patron feels welcomed, nourished, and at home — whether they come in for a quick espresso before work, a long afternoon study session, or a community event. I want to offer affordable, high-quality food that reflects the cultural richness of New Haven's neighborhoods.

My goals for the café align directly with the library's Ives Squared mission. I want the café to be a social engine — a place where students, entrepreneurs, families, and seniors all share a table. I plan to host monthly cultural food events, partner with local youth organizations for workforce training, and feature rotating cultural menus celebrating New Haven's immigrant communities.

2B — Management Plan

Explain how you will actually run the café day-to-day. The committee wants to know you have thought this through and can handle it.

Answer these specific questions:

• What is your relevant experience? (Restaurant work, catering, food truck, farmer's market

— all count)

• Who will manage the café — is it you? A hired manager?

• How many staff will you have per shift?

• What hours will you be open?

• How will you make sure food quality and cleanliness stay high?

• How will you pay for ongoing costs (rent, staff, supplies)?

numbers, and genuine business story.

Experience: I have operated Maria's Kitchen for 5 years, serving catering events across New Haven County ranging from 20 to 400 guests. Before that, I worked for 7 years in restaurant kitchens, including 3 years as head cook at a local café. I hold a current CT Food Handler Certification (since 2018) and have maintained clean health inspection records throughout my operation.

Management Structure: I will serve as owner-operator and will be present on-site Monday through Saturday during peak hours (10am–2pm). I will hire a part-time lead barista to cover afternoon shifts.

Staffing Plan: Total staff: 3–4 people including myself. Weekday shifts: 1 supervisor + 1 counter staff. Weekend shifts: 2 staff members. All staff will be hired from New Haven, with priority given to residents of Fair Haven, Hill, and Dixwell neighborhoods.

Proposed Hours: Monday–Thursday: 10:00 AM–7:00 PM | Friday–Saturday: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM. Adjustments may be made based on customer demand after the first 90 days.

Quality Control: I will conduct daily cleanliness walkthroughs and weekly inventory checks. All staff will complete food safety training before the café opens. Customer feedback cards will be available at every table. I will review health and quality standards with staff monthly.

Financial Sustainability: Ongoing costs will be covered by café revenue. I project reaching break-even by Month 4 and positive cash flow by Month 8, based on conservative estimates of 50 daily transactions at an average ticket of $7.50 (see Financial Plan section).

2C — Products & Services (Menu & Pricing)

Show the committee your full menu with real prices. Include both your regular café menu AND your catering menu options. Explain where your food comes from and how you get it to the café.

Key points to address:

• List at least 10 menu items with prices

• Keep food prices under $7 and drink prices under $5.50 — the library serves all income levels

• Include culturally diverse items that reflect New Haven's communities

• Explain if food is made fresh on-site or prepared off-site and brought in

• Include catering menu options (the library will ask you to cater their events)

• Explain how you source ingredients — local, seasonal, and healthy is strongly preferred

These are examples only. Replace all highlighted content with your own real information, real numbers, and genuine business story.

Menu — Maria's Kitchen at NHFPL Ives Café

Item Price Notes

Drip Coffee (12oz / 16oz) $2.50 / $3.25

Cortado $3.75

Latte (hot or iced, 12oz) $4.25

Herbal / Black / Green Tea $2.50

Agua Fresca (seasonal, rotating)

$3.50 Mango, hibiscus, tamarind

Smoothie (fruit-based) $4.75

Morning Pastry (rotating) $2.50–$3.50 Croissant, arepa, pan dulce

Pressed Sandwich $6.50 Ham & cheese OR veggie

Soup of the Day (cup/bowl) $4.00 / $5.50 Prepared off-site daily

Snack Pack $3.75 Crackers, hummus, fruit

Breakfast Sandwich $5.50 Egg, cheese, choice of bread

Salad (small/large) $5.00 / $7.00 Seasonal greens, local farms

Sourcing: All pastries and bread sourced from local New Haven bakeries. Produce from CitySeed New Haven farmers market when in season. Coffee beans from a Connecticut-based roaster. Most food prepared off-site at my licensed commercial kitchen on Grand Avenue and brought in daily.

Catering menu (for library events): I offer sandwich platters ($12/person), salad bars ($9/person), hot buffet options ($15/person), and coffee/beverage stations ($5/person). I have served catered events for up to 200 guests and can provide references upon request.

2D — Marketing Plan

Tell the committee how you will attract customers and build the café's reputation. Also explain how you will make the space welcoming for everyone — especially those who March (Date tentative)feel intimidated entering a library or a café.

Ideas to include:

• Social media accounts (Instagram, Facebook) with regular posts

• Flyers in the neighborhood — churches, community centers, schools

• Partnership with the library for promotions through their channels

• Loyalty program, student discounts, or community pricing tiers

• Signs in multiple languages (English + Spanish at minimum)

• Community events — cultural food days, live music, storytelling nights numbers, and genuine business story.

Social Media: I will maintain active Instagram (@mariaskitchennhv) and Facebook pages, posting daily specials, behind-the-scenes content, and library event previews. I will partner with NHFPL's social media accounts for cross-promotion.

Neighborhood Outreach: I will distribute bilingual flyers (English/Spanish) to churches, community centers, and schools within a 1-mile radius. I will attend community events to promote the café and build relationships.

Community Pricing: I will offer a 10% discount for library cardholders and a 'pay-it-forward' jar at the counter for patrons who cannot afford a purchase. No one will be turned away for lack of funds for a basic beverage.

Language Access: Menus will be in English and Spanish. At least one Spanish-speaking staff member will be on duty at all times. I will add additional languages based on patron feedback.

Events: Monthly 'Cultural Kitchen' events featuring rotating cuisines from New Haven's communities. Quarterly 'Author & Coffee' mornings in partnership with NHFPL programs. Annual community appreciation day with free pastries.

Part 3 — Financial Plan

This section shows the committee that your business can survive financially. You need to demonstrate you have money to get started and a realistic plan for ongoing income and expenses. Be honest — they have seen many proposals and will spot unrealistic numbers.

All numbers in the sample below are for illustration only. Use your own real estimates. The committee evaluates whether your math is realistic — not whether you project big profits.

3A — Startup Costs

List what you will spend to get the café open. The Library provides major equipment — your startup costs should mainly be small equipment, permits, initial inventory, and working capital.

These are examples only. Replace all highlighted content with your own real information, real numbers, Sample Startup Budget (Illustrative Only)

POS system (cash register + software) $800–$1,500

Small equipment (panini grill, blender, oven, soup warmer)

$1,500–$2,500

Initial food & beverage inventory (2-week supply)

$1,200–$1,800

Health permits and food service licenses $300–$600

Liability insurance (first 3 months) $600–$900

Menu boards and signage $300–$500

Staff uniforms and supplies $300–$500

Marketing materials (opening promotion) $200–$400

Working capital reserve (2–3 months expenses)

$5,000–$8,000

TOTAL ESTIMATED STARTUP COST $10,200–$16,700

Source of funds (illustrative): $8,000 personal savings + $5,000 small business loan from New Haven Community Lending + $3,000 from family investment. I have $10,000 currently available in my business checking account (bank statement attached).

3B — Monthly Revenue Estimate

Estimate how much money you will bring in each month. Use a simple formula: how many customers per day × average amount spent × days open per month.

These are examples only. Replace all highlighted content with your own real information, real numbers, Sample Monthly Revenue Projection (Illustrative Only)

Formula: Daily customers × Average ticket price × Days open per month

Conservative estimate (first 3 months)

40 customers/day × $6.50 × 26 days = $6,760/month

Moderate estimate (months 4–8) 60 customers/day × $7.00 × 26 days = $10,920/month

Growing estimate (months 9–12) 80 customers/day × $7.50 × 26 days = $15,600/month

Catering income (average) $500–$1,500/month depending on library events

Note: The library's previous café averaged approximately $60,000 in annual revenue. This is a useful realistic baseline.

3C — Monthly Expenses

List your expected costs each month. Be thorough — underestimating expenses is a common mistake.

These are examples only. Replace all highlighted content with your own real information, real numbers, Sample Monthly Expense Summary (Illustrative Only)

Cost of goods sold (food & beverages) — ~32% of revenue

$2,200–$4,900

Staff wages (2–3 part-time staff) $3,500–$5,000

Your own owner compensation $1,500–$2,500

Base rent (paid to Library) $1,200/month (example — you propose this)

Percentage rent (% of revenue above threshold)

Variable — depends on your proposal

Business insurance $200–$300

Permits and licenses (monthly portion) $50–$100

Marketing and promotions $150–$300

Supplies, packaging, cleaning $200–$400

POS fees and miscellaneous $100–$200

TOTAL MONTHLY EXPENSES (estimated) $9,100–$14,700

3D — Net Income Summary

These are examples only. Replace all highlighted content with your own real information, real numbers, Sample Net Income Summary (Illustrative Only — Year 1 Projection)

Total Year 1 Revenue (estimated) $105,000–$140,000

Total Year 1 Expenses (estimated) $110,000–$130,000

Net Income Year 1 Break-even to modest profit

Year 2 (with established customer base) $5,000–$15,000 net profit projected

I project reaching break-even by Month 4 and cash-flow positive by Month 8. I have modeled a downside scenario (20% below revenue) which shows the business remains viable through Year 1 provided the rent structure is as proposed.

3E — Required Financial Documents to Submit

The RFP requires you to include the following financial documents with your proposal:

Evidence of financing Bank statements, a letter from your bank confirming available funds, or letters of intent from lenders or investors

Business financial statements

If your business has been operating, include your last 3 years of financial statements (profit & loss, balance sheet). If you are new, explain your financial position.

Project budget A breakdown of startup costs and sources of funds (use table in 3A above)

Project schedule A timeline from signing the lease to opening day (see sample below)

2-year pro forma projections Month-by-month income and expense projections for years 1 and 2

These are examples only. Replace all highlighted content with your own real information, real numbers, Sample Project Timeline (Illustrative Only)

Week 1–2 Sign lease, finalize permits, order small equipment

Week 3–4 Staff hiring and training, food sourcing agreements finalized

Week 5–6 Staff food safety certification, test runs, soft opening prep

Week 7 Soft opening — limited hours, invite community for feedback

Week 8 Full opening at planned hours

Section 5 — Required Documents Checklist

The following documents MUST be included with your submission. Missing any of these can disqualify your proposal. Download all forms from the portal at https://newhavenct.bonfirehub.com/portal

City Forms Signature Page Required. Sign and submit. This page covers Ban the Box, Certificate of Non-Arrearage, and Equal Opportunity Agreement

— all acknowledged on this one page.

Disclosure & Certification Affidavit

Required. Confirms you have no outstanding debts or legal issues with the City of New Haven.

Current Workforce Certificate Required. Shows your current employees (or confirms you have none yet).

Statement of Qualifications Required. Your full proposal — all Parts 1–3 above.

PPP Application (Priority Payment Program)

Required. Allows the City to pay you faster.

Certificate of Insurance Required before you start operating. See Section 6 below for what insurance you need.

CT Food Service Establishment Permit

Required. Or documentation showing you are in the process of getting it.

Business entity documents Required. Proof of your LLC, DBA, or corporation registration.

Financial documents Required. Bank statements, financial history, and 2-year projections.

Introduction on letterhead (notarized)

Required. See Part 1 above.

Section 6 — Insurance Requirements

You must have insurance before you start operating. Here is what is required. Call your insurance agent and tell them you need insurance for a food service business operating inside a city-owned library building.

General Liability Insurance Required. Call your insurance company for the correct coverage amount per the attached Rider 500.

Workers' Compensation Insurance

Required if you have employees. LLCs (single or multi-member) must have this unless they file for exclusion with the CT Workers' Compensation Commission. If you are a sole proprietor with no employees, you can submit a waiver form instead.

Product Liability Insurance Required for food businesses serving the public.

Additional insured — City of New Haven

Required. Your insurance certificate MUST list the City of New Haven as an additional insured.

30-day cancellation notice Required. Your insurance company must agree to give the City 30 days written notice before cancelling your policy.

How to Get Your Certificate of Insurance

Call your insurance agent or broker and say: "I need a Certificate of Insurance for a food service business operating inside Ives Main Library, 133 Elm Street, New Haven, CT. The City of New Haven must be listed as an additional insured with subrogation."

Email your completed Certificate of Insurance to: NHpurchasingCOI@newhavenct.gov

If you do not have insurance yet, you can submit a letter showing you are in the process of obtaining it. Insurance must be in place before you open.

Section 7 — Local Preference (New Haven Businesses Get an Advantage)

If your business is based in the City of New Haven, you automatically receive a scoring preference during the review process. This means New Haven businesses have an advantage over businesses from other cities.

To qualify as a New Haven-based business, submit one of the following:

• Proof of payment of City of New Haven real estate tax bills

• A current long-term lease for a New Haven address

• Proof of payment of City of New Haven personal property tax bills

If you are a New Haven business, include this proof with your proposal.

Section 8 — How Your Proposal Will Be Scored

A committee of library and city staff will review all proposals. Here is what they score and what matters most:

Your experience & team (Criterion 1)

How qualified are you? What is your track record? Can you work well with the library and community? The committee looks at your restaurant/catering history, your business success, and whether you can hit the ground running.

Quality & uniqueness of concept (Criterion 2)

How creative, culturally relevant, and accessible is your menu?

Does it serve all types of library patrons? Is it consistent with the library's diverse, welcoming environment?

Financial capacity (Criterion 3)

Can you afford to start and sustain this? Are your projections realistic? What economic return do you offer the Library (rent + percentage)? Do you have a clear financial tracking system?

Community alignment (Criterion 4)

Does your business plan support the library's social, cultural, and entrepreneurial mission? Will you hire locally? Do you have community support?

Who Makes the Decision

First review: A Café Project Team — the Library's Ives Squared Administrator, Buildings Superintendent, City Librarian, and the Deputy Director of Economic Development.

They select up to 3 finalists, who then go to a final decision panel: the City Librarian, Library Board President, and the Mayor's representative.

The City Plan Department also reviews the selected proposal with the City's lawyers.

Section 9 — If You Are Selected

If your proposal is chosen, here is what happens next:

You will be notified in writing The City aims to award the contract within 120 days of the proposal deadline.

Sign the lease agreement within 10 days

Once the contract paperwork is ready, you have 10 days to sign. If you miss this deadline, the City can award to another applicant.

Submit your insurance certificate

Must be done before you start operating.

Wait for a Notice to Proceed You cannot start operations until the Library officially tells you to begin.

Your proposal is valid for 120 days

You cannot withdraw your proposal for 120 days after the deadline, even if the decision takes time.

Section 10 — Common Mistakes to Avoid

These mistakes can get your proposal disqualified or scored very low:

• Submitting late — the portal closes at exactly 11:00 AM on March (Date tentative). Submit the day before to be safe.

• Missing required documents — especially the City Forms Signature Page, Disclosure Affidavit, and Workforce Certificate.

• Using generic language that could apply to any café — be specific about the NHFPL and the New Haven community.

• Setting prices too high — the committee will notice if your coffee costs $7 or your sandwich costs $12.

• Unrealistic financial projections — if you project $300,000 in Year 1 revenue for a small library café, expect skepticism.

• No stated assumptions in your financial section — show your math and explain how you got to your numbers.

• Ignoring the community commitment requirement — hiring locally and serving diverse patrons is not optional.

• Copying this sample guide word for word — the committee will recognize it and it will hurt you.

Section 11 — Resources & Help

You do not have to figure this out alone. The following resources are available to help you:

NHFPL Business Librarian The library's Business Librarian can help you with research, business planning, and connecting you to local resources. Visit the library and ask for the Business Librarian.

Pre-Proposal Meeting Attend the meeting on March (Date tentative), 2026 at 10:00 AM at Ives Library. You can see the space, meet library staff, and ask questions.

City of New Haven Small Business Development

Free business consulting available for New Haven entrepreneurs. Contact the City's Economic Development office.

SCORE New Haven Free mentoring from retired business professionals. Visit score.org to find a local mentor.

New Haven Community Lending

Local lender offering small business loans. May be able to help with startup capital.

Portal for questions https://newhavenct.bonfirehub.com/portal — submit your written questions here.

Final Pre-Submission Checklist

Before you click submit, confirm all of the following are included in your proposal:

□ Introduction on letterhead Includes all business details and the required notarized statement

□ Proposal Overview Describes your café concept and how it aligns with the library's mission

□ Management Plan Explains staffing, hours, quality control, and your experience

□ Menu with Pricing At least 10 items, with prices, for both café and catering

□ Marketing Plan Social media, outreach, community engagement, and language access

□ Financial Plan Startup budget, monthly revenue & expense estimates, 2-year projections

□ Financial Documentation Bank statements, financial history, letters of financing

□ City Forms Signature Page Signed and submitted

□ Disclosure & Certification Affidavit

Completed and signed

□ Current Workforce Certificate Completed

□ Statement of Qualifications Full proposal document

□ PPP Application Completed

□ Insurance Certificate (or proof in progress)

Showing City of New Haven as additional insured

□ CT Food Service Permit (or proof in progress)

Current or in-process

□ Business entity documents LLC, DBA, or corporation registration

□ Local preference proof (if applicable)

Tax bill, lease, or other proof of New Haven address

We hope to hear from you.

The New Haven Free Public Library has been a gathering place for over 113 years.

Our next chapter begins with you.

Official RFP #2026-0X-XXXX | Submit at: https://newhavenct.bonfirehub.com/portal