For immediate release: May 9, 2019
May is National Small Business Month, a month dedicated to celebrating and empowering the small businesses that have such a big impact on local economies and communities. According to the Small Business Administration, two-thirds of new jobs each year are created by small businesses. Douglas County Libraries (DCL) works to connect local small-business owners and entrepreneurs with the information and resources they need to launch, grow and succeed.
The library’s DCL for Business information services are available to startups and entrepreneurs, as well as established small businesses, providing help with business plans, registration information, market research, and data on industry trends. Resources include:
- Personal, boutique-style services, including competitive intelligence and market information.
- Online business and finance research databases, including sources for demographics and market research and segmentation.
- Free workshops on various small-business topics at DCL locations throughout the county, presented in partnership with the South Metro Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
According to DCL Business Analyst Colbe Galston, Douglas County is home to approximately 11,530 small businesses with between one and 19 employees and another 2,228 home-based businesses. (Source: ReferenceUSA)
Over the last five years, Galston said DCL for Business services were used on more than 670 unique projects for local business owners and business support organizations.
CPA Joel Cowden, owner of Fianza, LLC, worked with Galston and DCL for Business when he was putting together a business plan for his new company. Using the library’s business support services and databases, Cowden was able to access key information about his chosen industry, competitors, and target customers.
“That support really helped me to head in the right direction with my business from the beginning,” said Cowden.
The library also provides meeting and event spaces at its various locations that may be reserved for uninterrupted work, client meetings, and business presentations.
For more information on DCL for Business and library services for small-business owners and entrepreneurs, visit DCL.org/business or call (303) 791-7323.
Douglas County Libraries elevates our community by inspiring a love of reading, discovery and connection.