BUILDING SPOKANE BUSINESSES

By Mark Pond

Spokane Public Library contributes to the economic vitality of the region by providing free support to startups and entrepreneurs, allowing businesses to access cutting edge resources.

Hey there, business owners and entrepreneurs of Spokane! If you’re not taking advantage of Spokane Public Library’s business research collection, you’re missing out on some seriously awesome tools. Let’s dive in, shall we?

First up, we’ve got DemographicsNow. It’s like your own personal research team that can help you figure out everything from the age range of your target audience to their average income. It’s like magic, but with data. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love data? ;) If you’re not using this tool, you’re basically flying blind.

Next, we have Reference Solutions. This is like a crystal ball for your business prospects. With over 57 million business and consumer records, you can find the perfect leads for your biz by searching by industry, location, size, and more. Plus, it gives you all sorts of juicy intel on each business, from financials to executive contacts.

And then there’s LinkedIn Learning. This platform is like the Netflix of business education, with thousands of courses on everything from marketing to software development. And the best part? It’s FREE with your library card. That’s right, you can up your game without spending a single dime. And with courses taught by industry experts, you’ll be a pro in no time.

Mark Pond is the Business Research Librarian at Spokane Public Library and an adjunct faculty instructor at Eastern Washington University. Mark was the 2021 recipient of the American Library Association’s BRASS Excellence in Business Librarianship award.

But wait, there’s more! Spokane Public Library’s business research collection also includes access to industry reports, business journals, and newspapers. It’s like a buffet of knowledge, just waiting for you to chow down. And if you need help navigating all of these resources, we offer one-on-one appointments with me - your Business Librarian! I can help guide you through the process. It’s basically like having a personal assistant, but without the pesky salary.

And let’s not forget about www. spokanelibrary.org/businesslab. This webpage is like a cheat sheet for all things business in the Spokane area. Need to know about local business resources? We’ve got you covered. Want tips on marketing and financing? You got it. Plus, we have access to a comprehensive directory of local businesses, so you can connect with other badass professionals in your industry. It’s like having a whole team of business gurus at your beck and call.

So what are you waiting for?

Head on down to Spokane Public Library and start exploring these resources. Your business will thank you!

Mark Pond mpond@spokanelibrary.org