[A picture containing text, clipart, sign Description automatically generated]MeL Minute: MeL eResources Provide Big Support for Small Businesses It might be surprising to learn that over four million new businesses were registered in 2020 amid the pandemic. As the economy shifts, now might be the perfect time to start a small business. Available from MeL<https://mel.org/welcome>, Small Business Reference Center<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=ebscoprofile-sbrc> is an eResource that contains publications such as ebooks, journals, and newspapers. With information for entrepreneurs and current business owners alike, there are publications that can be shared with community organizations and within library programming. Specialized resources included are: * Full text access to over 25 NOLO Guides that detail extensive business basics such as financing, contracts, patents and trademarks, how to hire and manage employees, taxes, retirement plans, and fillable forms for documents such as leases and nondisclosure agreements. * Industry information and current articles about over 70 categories of small businesses from reputable sources such as the Barnes Report<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customlink/proxify/proxify.php?count=1&encode=1&proxy=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?url=&target=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&bquery=barnes+report&type=0&searchMode=And&site=sbrc-live>. * Regional business news from Crain’s Business. * A Start-Up Kit & Business Plans section that includes sample business plans, forms, information about buying or selling a business, finding the right employees, marketing to customers and clients, and holding productive meetings. * Updated state-specific resources such as the Small Business Start-Up Guide: Michigan<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customlink/proxify/proxify.php?count=1&encode=1&proxy=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?url=&target=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=b9h&AN=84473631&site=sbrc-live> which was published in September of 2021. * Business periodicals including Business Quarterly<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customlink/proxify/proxify.php?count=1&encode=1&proxy=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?url=&target=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=b9h&jid=BQT&site=sbrc-live>, Business Traveler<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customlink/proxify/proxify.php?count=1&encode=1&proxy=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?url=&target=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=b9h&jid=46I4&site=sbrc-live>, and Manufacturers’ Monthly<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customlink/proxify/proxify.php?count=1&encode=1&proxy=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?url=&target=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=b9h&jid=40V&site=sbrc-live>. With current content knowledge across business and industry, people looking to start new business or grow their current business can make informed decisions by using the Small Business Reference Center<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=ebscoprofile-sbrc> from MeL<https://mel.org/welcome>. If you are having any issues linking to items on this page, please explore the MeL eResource Access Page.<https://www.mcls.org/mel/mel-databases/help/remote-access/> Contact melerhelp@mcls.org<mailto:melerhelp@mcls.org> for help. Brought to you by Laura Warren-Gross from the MeL Team. Supporting Michigan Libraries by Putting You First. Hey front line staff: The MeL Maven Badge is a 6-part Information Literacy and eResource adventure designed for you. Start earning your Badge today at MeL.org<https://mel.org/welcome>! Want more information on MeL? Stay tuned for the next MeL Minute available on many Michigan library listservs, visit http://mel.org<http://mel.org/>, or sign up for the MeL Minute and other Library of Michigan e-mail lists via GovDelivery<https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MILOM/subscriber/new>. We encourage you to share MeL Minutes with your colleagues and networks. MeL eResources are available to Michigan residents or for Michigan library or school access only. #IMLSGrant Laura Warren-Gross Engagement Specialist for Public Libraries Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS) 1 800 530 9019 ext 152 [facebook]<https://www.facebook.com/mcls.org> [twitter] <https://twitter.com/mclsorg> [square-logo-1 (002)] <http://www.mcls.org/>
