5840 Economic and Small Business Development Hub Operator

Location:	New York
Posted:	Nov 5, 2025
Due:	Dec 17, 2025
Agency:	City of New Rochelle
Type of Government:	State & Local
Category:	66 - Instruments and Laboratory Equipment A - Research and development R - Professional, Administrative and Management Support Services
Solicitation No:	5840
Publication URL:	To access bid details, please log in.

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Department of

Finance 515 North

Avenue

New Rochelle, NY

10801 (914) 654-2072

Edward J. Ritter

Commissioner

Specification No. 5840

Request for Proposal:

Economic and Small Business

Development Hub Operator

Karin Conca

Purchasing Specialist

1) BACKGROUND

The City of New Rochelle has developed a comprehensive Downtown Retail Strategy to create a vibrant,

inclusive commercial core that supports small businesses, attracts new investment, and enhances the

quality of life for residents and visitors. Through zoning reforms, public-private partnerships, targeted

incentive programs, and placemaking initiatives, the City has fostered significant redevelopment, activated

underutilized properties, and strengthened its position as a regional destination for shopping, dining,

culture, and entertainment.

Despite this progress, many entrepreneurs and small business owners continue to face barriers to growth,

including access to affordable space, technical expertise, financing, and professional networks. The

Economic & Small Business Development Hub will serve as a catalytic resource within this ecosystem,

helping bridge these gaps. By offering technical assistance, workshops, networking, and coworking

opportunities in one accessible location, the Hub will complement other City initiatives—such as the

Downtown Retail Strategy, MWBE engagement efforts, and façade improvement programs—while

cultivating a pipeline of resilient, diverse businesses prepared to thrive in New Rochelle’s evolving

marketplace. With implementation set for the second quarter of 2026, the space is poised to make a

significant impact in advancing the City’s vision for the downtown district.

2) OVERVIEW

The City of New Rochelle is soliciting proposals from qualified organizations to operate and facilitate

programming for the City’s new ~1,000 Square Foot Economic & Small Business Development Hub, located

on the ground floor of 500 Main Street, New Rochelle, NY 10801. The Hub will serve as a central resource

for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and start-ups, providing technical assistance, workshops,

networking opportunities, and coworking spaces.

The selected operator will play a vital role in supporting the City’s broader economic development strategy

by strengthening the local small business ecosystem, fostering entrepreneurship, and ensuring equitable

access to resources, with a focus on Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) and retail-

based ventures. The space is currently prepared for two offices, one of which includes a dedicated meeting

area and a bathroom. The selected operator, in partnership with the city, will need to furnish the space.

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3) INTENT/SCOPE OF WORK

INTENT

The City of New Rochelle is seeking proposals from an experienced operator to manage the day-to-day

activities, programming, and strategic outreach of the Economic & Small Business Development Hub.

Envisioned as a one-stop center for business support, coworking, and innovation, the Hub will serve as a

catalyst for entrepreneurship and small business growth across the city.

The selected operator will be responsible for designing and delivering a suite of services aligned with the

City’s Downtown Retail Strategy and broader economic development goals. In addition, the operator will be

tasked with collecting and reporting data that informs the growth and trends of the Downtown’s business

and retail landscape.

Services should focus on key obstacles that local entrepreneurs face—like difficulty securing funding, lack

of technical know-how, and limited access to professional connections. They should also establish fair and

transparent opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses (MWBEs), retail startups, and new

ventures to become part of New Rochelle’s growing business landscape.

The project is scheduled to commence in Q2 (April–June) 2026. The selected operator must be able to

meet all timeline requirements to align with the City’s official start date for activation of the space.

SCOPE OF WORK

Key responsibilities include:

• Manage and staff the Hub, overseeing client intake, appointment scheduling, and daily operations to

ensure the space remains professional, welcoming, and inclusive.

• Deliver individualized technical assistance and business counseling in areas such as merchandising, lease

negotiation, storefront design, marketing/branding, sales strategies, financial planning and loan readiness,

MWBE certification, and navigation of local and regional support services.

• Facilitate workshops and small group sessions on topics aligned with downtown retail and service business

needs, including customer engagement, visual merchandising, regulatory compliance, and access to City

programs (e.g., Retail Tenant Improvement Fund, façade improvements).

• Provide referrals to external partners such as SBDC, WBC, SCORE, and local chambers of commerce for

specialized assistance beyond the Hub’s scope.

• Collect and analyze key data metrics from Downtown’s retail and business landscape to inform

programming, measure impact, and strengthen the Hub’s role as a central resource for entrepreneurs.

• Offer limited shared workspace and meeting areas to support private counseling, technical assistance, and

small group instruction within the Hub’s footprint.

• Collaborate with the City and strategic partners to align Hub programming with broader economic

development initiatives, ensuring clear pathways for entrepreneurs to launch or expand storefronts

downtown.

• Track participation and outcomes, submitting quarterly reports that demonstrate the Hub’s contributions

to retail vibrancy, entrepreneurship, and equitable business growth.

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The operator is expected to maintain a professional environment that supports small business development,

encourages inclusive participation, and complements the City’s long-term vision for a thriving downtown retail

corridor.

The operator is expected to develop and maintain a welcoming, inclusive space that fosters innovation,

collaboration, and access to resources for businesses at all stages.

DELIVERABLES

1. Annual Work Plan and Programming Calendar

A comprehensive outline of planned activities and services for the year, serving as the roadmap for daily

operations and ensuring alignment with the City’s Downtown Retail Strategy.

2. Staffing Plan and Operating Schedule

A detailed chart of staff roles, coverage hours, and responsibilities, demonstrating how the operator will

deliver consistent service, maintain accountability, and ensure the Hub remains accessible and professionally

managed.

3. Curriculum and Training Materials

Structured outlines for workshops, webinars, and small group sessions, including topics, learning objectives,

and delivery formats. Materials should be tailored to the needs of downtown retailers, MWBEs, and other

small businesses.

4. Quarterly Performance Reports

Data-driven summaries that capture outreach efforts, participation levels, and client outcomes,

supplemented with success stories and case studies. These reports will inform the city of progress, identify

emerging needs, and guide program improvements.

5. Marketing and Outreach Strategy

A plan incorporating grassroots engagement, partnerships, and digital tools to promote the Hub’s services,

attract a diverse range of participants, and expand awareness of City programs and resources.

6. Budget and Financial Management Plan A clear and open budget detailing projected costs and expected

income sources, designed to showcase responsible financial stewardship and effective resource allocation.

7. Sustainability and Growth Recommendations

A forward-looking document synthesizing performance data, lessons learned, and market insights, offering

guidance on funding opportunities, partnerships, and program enhancements to support the Hub’s long-

term sustainability and impact.

8. Office Design

The contractor will collaborate on the office design utilizing a $10,000 third-party-funded budget,

contributing to furniture layout planning, material selection (desks, chairs, shelving, etc.) and vendor

coordination. Please be advised that these funds are distinct and should be excluded from the proposal’s

cost estimate.

4) PROPOSAL DUE DATE

Sealed proposals will be accepted up until 3:00 p.m. on December 17,2025 in the Purchasing Office,

City of New Rochelle City Hall, 515 North Avenue, New Rochelle, N.Y. 10801, and mailed to the

attention of Karin Conca, Purchasing. Please note “Spec # 5840” on your outside mail package.

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5) PRE-PROPOSAL QUESTIONS

All questions must be submitted in writing via e-mail to Karin Conca, Purchasing

Specialist, at kconca@newrochelleny.com, no later than noon on November 24, 2025 The City will post the

answers to the questions received on its website no later than 4:30 p.m. on December 3, 2025

The City reserves the right to amend the RFP based on questions and issues raised at any time before the

RFP submission deadline.

6) PRE-PROPOSAL MEETINGS

An on-site pre-proposal meeting will be held on November 13, 2025 at The Leaf, Main Lobby at 12 Church

Street, New Rochelle, NY 10801 in New Rochelle, NY.

Attendance is not mandatory but is highly encouraged.

The City reserves the right to amend the RFP based on questions and issues raised at any time before

the RFP submission deadline.

7) ADDENDUMS

A Respondent, before submitting its Response, shall check the City’s website to see if any Addendum

or Addenda has/have been issued for the RFP and, if so, the Respondent must establish in writing that

they have received any and all Addendum or Addenda issued for the RFP. See attached Exhibit D.

8) PROHIBITION ON COMMUNICATION

Cone of Silence, means a prohibition on any communication regarding a particular Request for

Proposal (“RFP”), Request for Qualification (“RFQ”) or Request for Bid ("RFB").

Pursuant to State Finance Law §139-j and §139-k, this solicitation includes and imposes certain

restrictions on communications between the City and a Bidder during the procurement process. A

Bidder is restricted from contacting other than designated staff from the earliest notice of intent to

solicit offers through final award and approval of the Procurement Contract by the Designated

Contracting Officer ("Restricted Period") unless it is a contact that is included among certain statutory

exceptions set forth in State Finance Law §139-j(3)(a). City employees are required to obtain certain

information when contacted during the Restricted Period. The designated staff contact is the Deputy

Finance Commissioner or his/her representative, telephone (914) 654-2072. Bidders responding to

this RFP must familiarize themselves with these State Finance Law requirements and will be

expected to affirm that they understand and agree to comply with their Proposal.

9) PROPOSAL FORMAT/REQUIREMENTS

The attached Exhibits A, B, C, D, and E must be completed and returned with your proposal.

Proposals must include clear descriptions of the firm’s capabilities to perform the requirements of

the RFP and shall include the following:

a) Transmittal Letter - This letter should outline the firm’s ability to provide the requested

experience and scope of services. Please describe the company’s size, management, and

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ownership, including:

i. Name

ii. Primary Address

iii. Primary Telephone Number

iv. Primary Fax Number

v. Primary Email

vi. Name & Title of Primary Contact Individual

vii. Number of Employees

viii. Number of Years in Business

ix. Company’s Legal Status

x. Tax ID Number

xi. State under which the entity is organized.

xii. Awarded vendors must provide a copy of their New York State Certificate of

Incorporation with a bid response. Bidders not incorporated in New York State

must produce a Certificate to Do Business in the State of New York from the

New York Secretary of State at the time of bid submission.

This letter must be signed by an officer who is authorized to bind the Consultant and

state that the proposal is binding for 90 days from the submission deadline for

proposals.

b) Staff Experience - Briefly describe each key staff assigned to a typical project. Applicants

should provide resumes for all staff that are expected to be engaged in the work. Identify

any sub-consultants proposed to serve on the project as well.

c) Project Approach / Requirements & Capabilities - Describe how the Consultant’s approach

will meet the particular needs of this RFP. Submit a detailed statement and applicable

information on how you or your firm meets the requirements and/or qualifications. Include

a copy of all applicable licenses.

d) Work Samples - Include samples of work relevant to the Scope of Work(s) proposed.

e) References - Submit a list of at least three (3) references (including contact person names and

phone numbers) for which similar services have been provided. Your company must

demonstrate that it has successfully completed services similar in scope to that requested in

this proposal.

f) Time schedule – Submit an estimated annual schedule incorporating the components

included on the scope of work.

g) Fee Proposal – Complete Exhibit C

Submit a detailed breakdown of your cost proposal, incorporating staff and operational costs,

and the proposed not-to-exceed annual fee for this project.

Staff costs will include hourly rates for all relevant direct staff and must include all overhead,

fees, and out-of-pocket costs or expenses.

Travel, lodging, meals, and other personal costs are considered to be incidental to the contract

and are not reimbursable. The City will not reimburse for these costs.

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This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.

Bid Number:	5840
Bid Title:	5840 Economic and Small Business Development Hub Operator
Category:	*Current Bids & RFPs
Status:	Open