WebJunction

Here we are in the middle of March 2010 and the economy is still teetering. Libraries all over the country have stepped up to help people find and apply for jobs. But the unemployment rate is stuck at 9.7% nationally, with much higher levels in certain states (Michigan: 14.3%, Nevada 13%). Applying for jobs that don’t exist starts to feel like a futile activity. Economic downturn can be a ripe climate for starting new small businesses when established corporate jobs remain elusive.

There are some interesting trends that have changed the landscape of small business opportunity. The Internet has opened up access to resources and to markets that were once possible only for large-scale businesses. This is a big contributing factor in The Rise of the 'Homepreneur'. These small and nimble businesses can keep overhead low, address niche markets, and collectively have a significant impact on the economy. In February, Wired Magazine reported on the DIY manufacturing revolution that has sprung from computer-enabled micro-factories that turn large-scale manufacturing on its head.

Where do libraries fit in? At the Project Compass Summit in Atlanta, we heard repeated references to libraries offering small business support, whether state-wide or local. Some call it Economic Gardening, an initiative that originated in Colorado in the 1980’s recession. Libraries can play an important role in providing direction to those seeking to start or maintain a small business.

What are you doing to support small business in your state/locality?
What resources and experiences do you have to share?
If this is a new idea to you, what questions do you have to get started?

I was excited to hear quite a bit of buzz about libraries' support for small business and entrepreneurship in the first live meeting of the Project Compass Online Summit. I think the idea is gaining traction.

New insights:

1. Joe Natale from the Illinois State Library reported that they have received a $300K grant from the Small Business Administration. They plan to get equipment (dvd player, projector, laptop checkout), software (quickbooks, business planning) and training as a business development package for 15 libraries across the state. They would include Conflict Resolution, Sexual Harassment, Patent & Trademark Searching materials to be made available through interlibrary loan.

Questions for Joe:

• Did the SBA grant require a match?
• Which business plan application are you considering? Joe answered:
  Palo Alto Software

2. Karen Brown from the Florida State Library reports that The Palm Harbor Library in Pinellas County has made space in the library available for Business Resource Network specialists to meet with library patrons --- a great example of a partnership between economic development and library resources.

3. Joan Divor of the Burlington County Library in NJ shared her library's business website

4. Jennifer Peterson (WJ) found this resource from the Palm Harbor Library in Florida.