Thinking of Starting a Business?

Have you always dreamed of owning your own business? Would you like to be your own boss?

Get started now by attending Huntsville-Madison County Public Library's “Start-Up 101,” a one day mini-conference for entrepreneurs, on Monday, September 26. The event will be held at the Downtown Library, 915 Monroe Street, in Huntsville. Full details and registration information are available at www.hmcpl.org/startup.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that small firms account for 64 percent of new jobs in the United States. But with hundreds of thousands of businesses shutting their doors or going bankrupt each year, how do you put your new business on the path to success? At “Start-Up 101” you will learn about the Small Business Administration's loan programs; resources for local business mentoring; how to thoroughly research your business and marketing plans; and where and when to seek professional help.

According to the Small Business Administration, “small businesses—those with fewer than 500 employees—are generally the creators of most net new jobs, as well as the employ­ers of about half of the nation's private sector work force.” Small businesses are a vital part of the Tennessee Valley's economy, and Huntsville-Madison County Public Librarystrives to support our community entrepreneurs. The library provides business information through books, industry literature, and online databases, as well as instruction in how to use these resources. 

Beginning with “Start-Up 101,” the Reference & Adult Services Department will sponsor monthly workshops and lectures for small businesses and entrepreneurs at the downtown location on Monroe Street. For more information and to receive e-mail alerts about upcoming events, contact Mary Wallace Moore, Reference & Adult Services Manager, at 256-532-5972 or mmoore [at] hmcpl [dot] org.