- Becoming an entrepreneur or starting a small business can come with many financial challenges.
- While most of us associate libraries with childhood memories of borrowing books and DVDs, libraries today are actually being used more and more by budding businesspeople.
- At their local branch, entrepreneurs can attend business and resume workshops, access databases to conduct business research, and find resources for filing copyrights, patents, and trademarks.
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Libraries have become a precious resource in the 21st century, they are social havens with a gold mine of offerings that go far beyond book and DVD borrowing. These days, many patrons can expect robust programming, free events, and dedicated collaborative workspaces, in a bright and welcoming space.
For entrepreneurs both budding and established, libraries provide a wealth of free resources.
A 2016 report by the American Libraries Association highlighted libraries as a place where people visit libraries to "transform new business ideas into reality." At their local branch, those looking to build or grow their business can formulate business plans, utilize databases for business research, take classes to gain or enhance skills, receive resume advice, and more.
The association says that thousands of public libraries serve as "engines of entrepreneurship," constantly developing new ways to advance entrepreneurial efforts. Some ways they provide for business owners include free classes, mentoring and networking opportunities, dedicated tools and workspaces, guidance in navigating copyright, patent and trademark resources, and access to specialized business databases.
Business Insider spoke with entrepreneurs who found refuge and resources at their local libraries to assist with building their businesses and becoming better professionals.