Beginning March 9, Baltimore-area entrepreneurs looking to start, run or improve a small business need to look no further for information and guidance than their Baltimore-area library system. Baltimore County Public Library and Enoch Pratt Free Library (Pratt) will host Entrepreneur Academy, a series of workshops designed to develop/launch or improve small businesses, in partnership with the Urban Library Council, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, Northern and Corridor Region Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), CASH Campaign of Maryland, Small Business Administration, and Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulations.
The free workshops will take place at Baltimore County Public Library’s Woodlawn Branch and Pratt’s Edmondson Avenue Branch; those interested in taking the workshops can select the most convenient location. Participants in the series of nine workshops will learn marketing research and business strategies, financing options, record keeping and taxes and developing business plans. Attendees will also be able to work with legal, financial, insurance and accounting advisors, and take advantage of networking opportunities along with extensive library and business resources. To fully benefit from the Academy, participants will be asked to commit to attend all of the workshops.
In addition to the workshops, library branches will have dedicated, trained staff who can assist entrepreneurs one-on-one by appointment.
“The goal of this initiative is to strengthen the relationship between entrepreneurs and the library,” said Baltimore County Public Library Director Paula Miller. “Libraries have resources and connections that can benefit small business owners, and we’re excited to be able to share them with those who would most benefit from them.”
“So many people are looking for the tools they need to thrive at starting and growing their own business,” says Pratt Library President & CEO Heidi Daniel. “This partnership will help entrepreneurs create a roadmap to success as they navigate free resources available at libraries across the Baltimore region.”
More information is available at www.prattlibrary.org/entrepreneuracademy.
Baltimore County Public Library
Baltimore County Public Library has been an anchor in the community since 1948 and continues to grow and evolve to meet the needs of Baltimore County residents. Today, its 19 branches are safe zones, civic centers, technology hubs and spaces for ideas and learning. Baltimore County Public Library has offerings for the entire family to explore, learn, create and connect. For more information about branches and services, visit bcpl.info and follow Baltimore County Public Library on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Enoch Pratt Free Library
The Enoch Pratt Free Library, the nation’s first free library system, opened its doors in 1886, the result of the generosity and imagination of businessman and philanthropist Enoch Pratt. Mr. Pratt envisioned a public library where “races, ages, and socio-economic classes mingled and people could educate themselves – without cost,” and his passionate belief continues to guide the organization. Today’s Pratt Library – Baltimore’s public library and the Maryland State Library Resource Center – consists of the Central Library, 22 branches, two bookmobiles, the Mobile Job Center, the Pratt Centers for Technology Training, and the Regional Information Center. The Library’s mission is to provide equal access to information, services, and opportunities that empower, enrich, and enhance the quality of life for all.
