Libraries: The Best-Kept Secret for Business Resources

Growing your business is no easy task, and it may feel overwhelming to find the right resources to help you. It turns out, your local library can help! Through Sno-Isle Libraries, the public library system for Snohomish and Island counties, businesses can access local and national news and discover key market research. Libraries also provide resources for free with your library card and Librarians are available to help you navigate these options for your workforce and business.

“Sno-Isle Libraries is dedicated to supporting our small businesses and entrepreneurs. We continue to invest in economic resiliency to create equitable access and work together to elevate levels of economic potential, making our communities stronger. Libraries are unique and versatile partners in community building, and we can extend and expand our resources to profoundly impact local economic development,” said David Durante, Sno-Isle Libraries deputy director.

One of the most popular business resources available is LinkedIn Learning. This platform offers short tutorials to learn a new skill or software, like Microsoft Excel. Small business owners can expand their employees’ skillsets or use tutorials to onboard a new employee.

Small businesses have access to hundreds of valuable business resources. Through your library, you can:

• Evaluate the market with in-depth trade and industry information, including quarterly industry reports through ABI/Inform.
• Make informed business decisions with demographic reports on consumer expenditure data and market insights through Gale Business: DemographicsNow.
• Grow your customer base with customer and competitor information; find customers who might be interested in your product or service through Reference Solutions from Data Axle.
• Host a meeting or seminar with free meeting spaces, printing services, and laptop loans with Wi-fi hotspots.

The business resources offered through Sno-Isle Libraries can save your business time, money, and grow your market share. Libraries are an important and dynamic part of our community’s learning infrastructure to support your business and our local communities.

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