Poudre River Public Library District Blog
LIBRARY HOURS
Old Town Library
Harmony Library
Council Tree Library
LIBRARY HOURS Old Town Library
Harmony Library
Council Tree Library
(970) 221-6740
  • Catalog
  • Articles
  • Events
  • Site
Advanced Search

(970) 221-6740

Prospector
Front Range Community College
Business | Genealogy

(970) 221-6740

Prospector
Front Range Community College
All Events | Classes | Programs | Storytimes

(970) 221-6740

Prospector
Front Range Community College
Site Map

(970) 221-6740

Prospector
Front Range Community College
My Account Library Locations What's New ResearchDownload How do I? Events KidsTeens
  • Home
  • Using the Library
  • My Account
  • Hours & Locations
  • eResources
  • Calendar
  • Ask a Librarian
  • en español
Skip Navigation
My Account
Locations
What's New
Research
Download
How do I?

Library Resources and Services Boost Startups and Small Business

Posted on February 6, 2020 by Katie Auman in Business, Library Blog, Library Services

Not everyone thinks of the public library when starting a business. Yet, it’s the radical collaboration among entrepreneurs, the Library, and our strategic partners that continues to foster local economic development.

Poudre River Public Libraries have just about everything a 21st century entrepreneur might need: work space, Internet access, reference materials and research databases, and professional guidance through dedicated business librarians and strategic partners like the Larimer Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

“We’ve invested in quality resources and expert staff aimed at helping businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits throughout their development,” says David Slivken, executive director, Poudre River Public Library District. “By collaborating with the library and our partners, local innovators see lower barriers to market entry and benefit from a strong, supportive ecosystem.”

For solopreneur Sandi Leffel, the Library and SBDC were critical in helping her get her business, Styling with Sandi, up and running in 2019.

Sandi Leffel worked with the District’s Business Librarian and consultants from the SBDC to get her personal stylist business up and running in 2019.

“Working with the SBDC and their consultants was the most important piece of the puzzle because I didn’t want to start a business that wasn’t viable,” says Sandi. She met with 8-10 consultants, including the Library District’s Business Librarian, to lay the groundwork, help with ideas, and formulate a business plan.

For market research, Sandi worked with a Business Librarian to examine her competitive landscape and compile reports using the Library’s various databases and eResources. Librarians also researched regional demographic information to help Sandi identify potential customers and marketing opportunities.

Sandi will shop with clients and help them find clothes to fit their personal aesthetic.

“It’s so beautiful that we have this free service in Larimer County,” Sandi says of the Library District resources and SBDC consultants.

Since launching her personal styling business last year, Sandi has steadily grown her clientele and found local businesses to partner with. Her advice for other entrepreneurs?

“Imperfect action is better than no action. You’re a bit overwhelmed with the things you need to do, but that advice was a game changer. I got brave around the words ‘Just take baby steps.’”

Are you an entrepreneur?

Get in touch with our Business Librarian Matthew West to discuss your business idea and what you need to make it a success. Request an appointment and explore resources online through the Library’s Business Center webpage.

Request an appointment

Don’t miss Startup Week Fort Collins happening February 24-28. The free event offers a variety of presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities. Poudre River Public Library District is proud to sponsor this event and support local momentum and opportunity around entrepreneurship. More information about Startup Week is available at https://startupfoco.com/.

Related

Business Resources, database, entrepreneurs, eResources, research, small business, Startup Week

Comments are closed.

Recent Posts

  • shelf of books

    Automatic Renewals Begin February 1

    February 1, 2023
  • Lincoln Hills, Colorado

    Colorado Black History / Historia Negra de Colorado

    February 1, 2023
  • Poudre Libraries Staff

    2023: A Look Ahead

    December 29, 2022
  • Harmony, Education, and Determination through the Decades

    December 16, 2022

Try our App! Try our Mobile App!

Facebook Twitter River's Mouth Blog Instagram Pininterest Google Plus LinkedIn FourSquare Flickr You Tube

Navigation

  • Download
  • Events
  • How Do I?
  • Locations
  • My Account
  • Research
  • Site Map
  • Site Search
  • What's New

  • English

  • en español

Community

  • Birth to 5
  • Book Clubs
  • FRCC
  • Kids
  • Outreach
  • Teens

My Library

  • Bookdrops
  • Checking Out Items
  • Computer Classes
  • Computers
  • - Assistive Technology
  • - Printing
  • - Printing (3D)
  • - Wireless
  • Library Cards
  • Meeting Rooms
  • Suggest a Purchase

Resources

  • Answer Center
  • Ask-a-Librarian
  • Business Center
  • Job & Career Center
  • Nonprofit Resources
  • Genealogy
  • History Connection
  • InterLibrary Loan
  • Prospector
  • Readers' Cafe
  • - Reading Level Search
  • Research

Get Involved

  • Donations
  • Friends of the Library
  • Library Trust
  • Volunteers

About us

  • Board of Trustees
  • Executive Director
  • Jobs
  • Leadership Team
  • Library Newsletter
  • Policies
  • River's Mouth Blog
  • Sign Up for E-News

  • Help

  • Contact us

Poudre River Public Library District, 301 Olive Street, Fort Collins, CO 80524, (970) 221-6740
Including the collection of Front Range Community College, Larimer Campus