Start and Grow Your Business
Get the information you need to plan and start your business. We give you free access to valuable research and databases that provide information about competitors, customers, market trends, industry norms, and more. Attend an event to connect with experts, learn about tools or meet with a business librarian.
Business Resources
Most entrepreneurs put together a business plan which communicates the viability of their business to investors, employees, and partners. We offer access to sample plans as well as resources with market data that will help you make informed decisions and back up your plan details with solid financial data. Most Library resources can be used from home with your Seattle Public Library card and PIN number.
To help familiarize you with different business concepts, our business librarians have created lists of resources on specific topics like planning and funding your business. We also have collections of informational podcasts, recorded workshops, business magazines, and more. If you aren’t sure where to begin, make an appointment with a business librarian who will show you how to use the most relevant tools.
- Tools to Start Your Business
- Tools to Grow Your Business
- Business Assistance Organizations
- Create a Business Plan
- Practical Startup Guides
- Funding a Business
- Crowdfunding a Business
- Inspirational Business Guides
Find Your Niche
Business Information Appointments
We offer free virtual 1:1 appointments with librarians trained in business research. We can help you find information about your industry and market, potential customers, competitors, make referrals to business assistance organizations and help you access workshops and classes where you will improve your business skills.
Connect with Experts
We will help you find the business information you need, but mentoring and financial assistance will help you further. Technical and financial assistance organizations offer mentoring, workshops and community lending. Each program is different, so we encourage you to explore those that best fit your needs.
Supporting Diverse Entrepreneurs
We are committed to helping BIPOC (Black and Indigenous People of Color) members of our community start and grow businesses. We offer assistance to anyone in need, but have developed some specific programs and services to help these groups successfully launch and develop businesses.
Black-Owned Business Excellence
Library to Business is part of a group of organizations developing events designed to inspire, educate, celebrate and generate excellence in Black-Owned Businesses in the state of Washington.
Black-Owned Business Excellence
Muslim Community Finance Coalition
We are one of a group of organizations working to support Muslim business owners. Community lenders and business assistance organizations have been meeting with members of our local Muslim communities to talk about improving access to riba-free (interest free) financing options that meet their needs.
Build Your Business Skills
Whatever the project, it is necessary to continue to improve your business abilities. We offer many options to help you master the particular skills needed to keep you at the top of your game.
LinkedIn Learning
Hundreds of free, online classes on topics such as management, marketing, web design, and software.
O'Reilly Complete Public Library
Instant access more than 2,000 digital books on business, computing, databases, programming, web design and more. The collection is keyword searchable and loads in your browser.
Workshops
Look for upcoming programs that connect you with experts who will help you get your business ready for contracting with government entities, exporting products or services internationally, or preparing to hire and retain employees.
Recordings
Breaking away from your business during open hours can be challenging, so we have provided access to recordings of some of our previous workshops.