Libraries as entrepreneurial hubs | Rosenblum

Libraries as entrepreneurial hubs | Rosenblum

Key measures of a healthy economy include, among other things, new businesses that create jobs and attract skilled workers. And while community leaders count on the corporate sector to stimulate economic growth, many experts are pointing to entrepreneurship as a means to build and support thriving local economies.

According to a report by the Kauffman Foundation, by 2020, approximately 50 percent of the workforce will be independent workers rather than salaried employees. As workforce trends shift, libraries are uniquely positioned to promote entrepreneurship, serving as hubs that connect individuals to the people, programs, tools and resources to develop a 21st-century workforce.

Librarians have strong connections to the communities they serve, including communities that have been historically disenfranchised. By creating entrepreneurial “ecosystems,” libraries can help individuals take control of their economic success, especially those who don’t know where to begin or have difficulty navigating multiple sources of information. Public libraries level the playing field by providing well-coordinated resources – often in partnership with other organizations – that support entrepreneurship every step of the way.

For example, KCLS has partnered with the Startup 425 Foundation to offer a series of workshops conducted by leaders and innovators who share their expertise on starting a business. Classes are available at five Eastside libraries and cover six topics: ideation, business plans, licensing, financing, marketing and networking. Participants can register for as many workshops as they want in whatever order and location they choose.

Similarly, patrons can take advantage of free counseling sessions with volunteers from SCORE (Service Core of Retired Executives) who offer advice on how to successfully run a small business. As a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration, SCORE is the nation’s largest network of business mentors and has helped millions of budding entrepreneurs across the United States.

King County has a strong philanthropic community and many individuals and organizations take advantage of KCLS’ Nonprofit and Philanthropy Resource Center (NPRC) at Redmond Library to access free databases and other resources to obtain grants to support their cause. NPRC is a member of the Foundation Center Funding Information Network and provides an outstanding collection of philanthropy resources in the Northwest and nationally.

Emerging technologies and the growing maker and gig economies offer numerous opportunities for entrepreneurial success. Patrons who visit the ideaX Makerspace at Bellevue Library can explore a variety of STEAM concepts through hands-on activities such as 3-D printing, digital music composition, robotics, and virtual reality. KCLS will open a second Makerspace at the Federal Way Library in 2019. The Makerspaces are supported by grants from Google and The Boeing Co., underscoring the high demand for STEAM training throughout job markets.

KCLS has always played an important role in helping individuals develop job skills. We are excited about expanding that role by offering programs and services that promote entrepreneurship and help build equitable and resilient local economies.

Lisa Rosenblum is the executive director of the King County Library System.




Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in Opinion

Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@auburn-reporter.com.
The key thing is what we do with our imperfections | Whale’s Tales

I have said and done many things of which I am not proud. That is, I am no golden bird cheeping about human frailties from some high branch of superhuman understanding.

Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@soundpublishing.com.
Grappling with the finality of an oncologist’s statement | Whale’s Tales

Perhaps my brain injected a bit of humor to cover the shock. But I felt the gut punch.

Cartoon by Frank Shiers
Legislature back in session next week | Cartoon

State lawmakers return Jan. 8 to Olympia.

Cartoon by Frank Shiers
Santa doesn’t drive a Kia | Cartoon

Cartoon by Frank Shiers.

Cartoon by Frank Shiers
Salute to veterans | Cartoon by Frank Shiers

On Veterans Day, honor those who served your country.

File photo
Why you should vote in the upcoming election | Guest column

When I ask my students when the next election is, frequently they will say “November 2024” or whichever presidential year is coming up next.

Robert Whale can be reached at rwhale@soundpublishing.com.
Here’s a column for anyone who loves their dog | Whale’s Tales

It is plain to me in looking at dogs small and large that a decent share of them are exemplars of love on Earth, innocents who love unconditionally and love their chow.

Robert Whale can be reached at rwhale@soundpublishing.com.
Please protect your children from BS spreaders | Whale’s Tales

Among the most useful things I studied in college were debate, and… Continue reading

Email editor@kentreporter.com.
It’s time to change Kent’s City Council elections to districts | Guest column

If you were asked who your city councilmembers are, would you have an answer?

Don C. Brunell is a business analyst, writer and columnist. He is a former president of the Association of Washington Business, the state’s oldest and largest business organization, and lives in Vancouver. Contact thebrunells@msn.com.
Dear government: Hold your horses when regulating trucks | Brunell

Next to gasoline and diesel, natural gas also has the greatest number of refueling stations.

Cartoon by Frank Shiers
Mariners get red hot | Cartoon

Cartoon by Frank Shiers