As a teenager, I began five successful hobby businesses, just by browsing the shelves at my local MCPL. When I was a teenager, I worked at the library putting books away. One day, I stumbled on a book about breeding cockatiels for fun and profit. I had a pet cockatiel and decided to follow the book’s instructions to buy a mate for her and build a nesting box. That bird laid eggs right away, and my flock of pets grew. For years after that, I raised hand fed baby birds which fetched a premium at the local pet stores.
If you decide this is the time to start your own business that you have always imagined, the library can help. We have books, computer databases, and professional speakers that can give you information and inspiration. The list of speakers is available on our website, and also in a publication called Beyond the Books, it's available at all our branches.
The Missouri Small Business and Technology Development Center at the University of Missouri, Kansas City will offer a series of programs for the entrepreneur (UMKC SBTDC) at the Grandview Branch. Registration is required.
Resources for Small Business Owners: Demographics Now
I have always found the Research Databases to be not only informative, but also entertaining. When I was asked to host a program in November that would showcase our business databases, I was very enthusiastic. Many people are unaware of the valuable information contained in these databases that is available free of charge. The only requirement is to have a valid Mid-Continent Public library card.
For the last four Saturdays, the Grandview Branch has been hosting a series of classes concerning starting a business of your own in Missouri, hosted by Judy Bumpus from UMKC Small Business Center.
Are you interested in starting your own business? Have a great idea, but don’t know how to move forward? Or, are you on your way, but just need a little help with your next step? MCPL may be able to help you out! In addition to all of the great Online Resources we have for small businesses, we are now offering free classes at several of our branch locations:
