Visit the Library During #SmallBusinessWeek (April 30-May 6)

Katie Auman on April 26, 2017

Did you know that more than half of Americans either own or work for a small business? And according to the Small Business Administration, these small and often family-owned companies “create about 2 out of every 3 new jobs in the U.S. each year.”

Every year since 1963, the President of the United States has read a proclamation for National Small Business Week highlighting the importance of small businesses and entrepreneurs as outlets for ingenuity and creativity, job creation, and economic stimulus.

We’re lucky here in northern Colorado; the Fort Collins area has a vibrant and thriving small business community with exceptional local support. And one of the biggest supporters is Poudre River Public Library District!

In fact, serving our small business owners, developers, and startups is one of our primary goals, and not just during National Small Business Week (April 30-May 6).

Here are just a few ways the Library District is helping local small businesses get off the ground and succeed.

  1. Offering free research services for all stages of the startup lifecycle
  2. Providing industry, demographic, and competitive analysis research
  3. Connecting you to digital resources for business-critical data and reports
  4. Assisting with business plan information
  5. Identifying key demographic information
  6. Developing prospective customer lists
  7. Scheduling one-on-one consultations with our Business and/or Nonprofit Librarians to discuss specific needs
  8. Providing business-focused workshops, presentations, and classes
  9. Lending current and useful business-related books, magazines, and other materials
  10. Offering private meeting rooms and collaboration rooms
  11. Teaching free computer skills and technology classes
  12. Partnering with community organizations and agencies like the Larimer County Small Business Development Center to boost small business development

Stop by one of the library locations during #SmallBusinessWeek for information about our dedicated small business and entrepreneur services as well as to browse our digital and print resources including research databases and business books.

You can also access information and resources online through the Business Center webpage or the Nonprofit Center webpage on the Library District’s website, sign up for our Business or Nonprofit eNewsletter. Or contact the Answer Center at 970-221-6740.

Looking for other great community resources to get started with your small business?

Our friends at the Larimer County SBDC are holding a number of workshops around startup basics and business literacy coinciding with Small Business Week. You can register for these fee-based classes on their website.

5/2 – Marketing Strategy for Success

5/4 – QuickBooks (Desktop Version) 3-Part Series

5/4 – So You Want to Start a Business

5/5 – 3 Ways Financial Information Can Make Your Business Thrive

Happy National Small Business Week to all of our local business owners and entrepreneurs, and good luck to those of you just getting started!

We can’t wait to meet you at the library!

Get Smart About Your Money

Katie Auman on April 21, 2017

A recent Motley Fool article described the finances of an “average American.” Their research suggests improvements in Americans’ financial literacy and management including a 5-point higher average FICO credit score of 700 and an increase in the average personal savings rate from 1.9% in 2005 to 5.5% today. (However, experts still recommend saving at least 10% each month.)

But the report also pointed to areas for improvement and reminded readers that the majority of us don’t fall into the “average American” category, and there is still plenty for us to learn.

So what can you do you improve your financial literacy and success?

Join us for workshops and activities during National Money Smart Week, April 24-29.

Poudre River Public Library District will host focused presentations by financial experts, institutions, and community agencies designed to help you learn to better manage your personal finances. The Library District participates each year in #MoneySmartWeek to bring awareness to the importance of strong financial literacy and personal money management skills. Any lack in financial knowledge has broad implications for budgeting and saving, purchasing a home, planning for retirement, and other critical financial choices.

The Library District also offers many year-round financial education resources. We hope you take advantage of the variety of classes and activities available to you next week, from understanding credit scores to basic budgeting, but don’t overlook these additional great resources.

Money Matters Program Series

Each month the award-winning Money Matters Series, presented by local financial planning professionals, examines financial topics like estate planning, student loan strategies, understanding social security options, and others. Each presentation is free and does not require registration.

eResources for Financial Education

Search for articles on any number of financial topics using the Library’s “Article Search” option on the website. You can also do a “Catalog Search” for books, eBooks, and more.

Read full-text articles from Consumer Reports through MasterFILE EBSCO about everything from marketplace economics to consumer product reviews.

Jump$tart is a coalition of diverse financial education organizations working together to offer financial smarts for kids. This resource offers educational materials, activities, and initiatives for lifelong financial success.

The FDIC Money Smart financial education program is a curriculum available in both English and Spanish for consumers of all ages.

The comprehensive com resource includes access to free courses on QuickBooks, Quicken, personal finance tips, investment basics, and much more.

Morningstar Mutual Funds database provides fast and easy access to Morningstar’s investment research, mutual fund information, and more.

Information about more than 1,700 stocks, the economy, and the stock market is available through Value Line, an in-library eResource for new and veteran investors. (In-library use only)

Zinio offers access to 55 popular magazines including Economist, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance.

 

For more information, visit the Library District website or call the Answer Center at 970-221-6740.