In times of economic stress, libraries step in to fill the needs of their communities with information about starting or growing a business, resume help, and a quiet space to focus. Some offer programs for entrepreneurs; others have created entire learning centers — dedicated spaces within the library where individuals can move their side hustle into a full-time career.
Helping local entrepreneurs get started is great for your community. By providing resources to people who are trying to start a business or launch a new product or service, your library supports your local economy.
Businesses that get off to a successful start are more likely to expand and create new jobs. Those business owners, in turn, can become great examples (and ambassadors!) of the value of your library — and that’s nice to have when budget time rolls around.
In the end, it’s about libraries doing what libraries do best. Connecting people with information.
We’ve made it easy for you to get started
From ready-to-go promotional materials to marketing messages and an implementation timeline, our guide will give you a head start on packaging your resources, staff expertise and facilities as the solution to what local entrepreneurs need.
Want to go beyond programming and position your library as a learning center focused on the needs of entrepreneurs as Mid-Continent Public Library and others have done? The resources below will get you going. You’ll find sample marketing messages, links to best practices, tactics you can try today, inspiration, and much more.
Resources to get you started
- Promoting Entrepreneurship Programs at Your Library
- Recommended Reading for Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners
- Get Start-Up Savvy: Required Reading for Entrepreneurs
Want to spread the word about your resource for entrepreneurs? Start promoting what you’re offering through email (pro tip: create a web page for your entrepreneur services that you can link to in the e-blast).