Aspiring entrepreneurs need access to industry reports, business plans, research on potential customers and competitors. It could cost them thousands to obtain this information on their own and, as a result, people with excellent ideas were prevented from starting their own businesses. Entrepreneurs also need guidance on the process of starting and running a business. They expressed interest in meeting others going through the process and receiving advice from community experts on business-related topics.

The library conducted research to identify the most reputable resources for aspiring entrepreneurs. We now provide access to over a dozen small business-related databases, providing: • Industry research needed for business plans • 700 completed business plans • Demographics, statistics and sales projections • Access to new skills and refresher courses

The library also devotes staff to train patrons on using the databases with our Book a Librarian service.

We identified underserved communities and reach out to the nonprofits serving them to promote the library’s resources. One 12-year-old attended the Small Business Expo to learn how to grow her pillow-making business. She’s using the proceeds from her business to help with parochial school tuition and a college fund. This program has won two local awards: Entrepreneur Champion Award from the Grace Hill Women’s Business Center and Community Outreach Award from the Town and Country/Frontenac Chamber of Commerce.