Free Small Business Resource Center Benefits Local Entrepreneurs at GRPL
One business-related question I field from visitors is how to start or expand a small business," said Amy Cochran, Librarian at the Grand Rapids Public Library (GRPL). "In getting started, the owner has to do some homework: Is this idea viable? What's your angle? Who is your competitor? Have you written a Business Plan for financing? The Small Business Resource Center is our way of bringing it all to one spot."
The Center is funded through a grant from the Ryerson Library Foundation Titche Family Fund, and allows aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners to do research and get assistance in translating raw data and statistics into information meaningful to the success of their small business. The main branch has designated a section of the Reference area for this Center, which will include two fully equipped computer stations specifically for entrepreneurs with access to word processing and spreadsheet software, small business databases and internet resources on market research, writing a business plan and more. The Center opened in April 2008 and is free for all to use.
"We offer resources that no one else has: Small Business GRPLpedia page, the library catalog, Reference USA, Business and Company Resource Center from Thomson-Gale, and more that are vital to creating a niche in the market," said Cochran. "We have books, periodicals and software that the typical small business owner cannot afford, especially at start-up."
"One database program, Business Decision, is available online only at the GRPL. It combines consumer and demographic data with mapping technology to provide targeted market information data for local businesses. Large corporations pay big money for market segment research, and this program makes the same information available to the little guy."
The small business library supplements online research, and has it all in one convenient spot. "We are offering reference materials, magazines and consumer spending information titles like the Small Business Sourcebook, Standard and Poor's Industry Surveys, Grand Rapids Business Journal, Inc., and MiBiz," remarked Cochran. "We are also offering brochure and bulletin space for workshops, networking and events in the Grand Rapids area to connect owners. A majority of the flyers and brochures will be provided in English and Spanish."
"In the greater Grand Rapids area, 80% of businesses are locally owned small businesses," commented Cochran. "The unfortunate reality is a majority of small businesses also fail. That is why providing this resource is so important. We are trying to present people with the easiest, most reliable and accurate information, to give our local business owners the best chance at success."