*What is LibraryBiz Connect?* A grassroots organization comprised of public and academic librarians working together with business support non-profit organizations to: - Position public libraries as the local portal for economic development - Connect average businesses to knowledge, data, training and business counseling in an approachable environment - Pool regional resources to benefit our local communities We are not a fee-based organization. We are a group that is committed to supporting economic development and growth for stronger communities by utilizing the tools and resources already available in most communities. *Who are we?* Current partners include: Adrian Public Library Ann Arbor District Library Bizgrid Detroit Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce Brighton District Library Canton Public Library Chelsea Chamber of Commerce Chelsea District Library Cromaine District Library Eastern Michigan University Gast Business Library – Michigan State University Genessee District Library Business Center Hartland Area Chamber of Commerce Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Howell Carnegie District Library Jackson District Library Kresge Business Administration Library, University of Michigan Ross School of Business Library of Michigan/Michigan eLibrary (MeL) Michigan Small Business Development Center (MI-SBDC) MMLC (Mideastern Michigan Library Cooperative) Plymouth District Library Schoolcraft College Business Development Center SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) TLN (The Library Network) Traverse Area District Library Washtenaw Community College – Bailey Library Wayne State University Libraries *How does the partnership work?* At its most fundamental, the partnership is successful because of the relationships we have built with each other. We acknowledge and appreciate the strengths of our partners and help direct current and potential business owners to the best organization to meet their needs. Here is a brief (very simplified) example of how LibraryBiz Connect partnerships benefit a community: - A community member comes to the library looking for information on how to start a business. The librarian directs their community member to the resources and asks if they would like to sign up for the “How to Start a Business” workshop being held at the library. - The community member attends a Small Business Development Center “How to Start a Business” workshop at their local library. - The community member then talks to a SCORE counselor who regularly holds counseling hours at the library. - While working on a business plan the SCORE counselor can direct the community member to a librarian for access to business databases and print resources. - The community member opens a storefront on Main St. *What have we been doing?* - Going to conferences and workshops around the state attended by small business owners and small business support organizations. Talking to non-librarians about the resources available at local libraries and the information professionals available to help find the correct information. - Encouraging business owners to visit their local libraries for access to business resources - Encouraging business support organizations to reach out and develop relationships with their local libraries. Help each other do what we do best, sharing our resources and network of contacts to help support business owners. - Helping each other! Encouraging libraries to partner with each other and local business nonprofits. It’s OK not to own everything and not to know everything. - Providing partner and interested libraries and business support organizations with a monthly conference call. A platform for everyone to ask questions and share successes and challenges. For more information or to get involved visit our website or social media sites: Website: www.librarybizconnect.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/librarybizconnectMI?ref=hl LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/LibraryBiz-Connect-4739891?home=&gid=4739891&trk=groups_guest_most_popular-h-logo LibraryBizConnect Making Data Powerful for Business We are a grassroots organization made up of librarians and business service organizations whose mission is to provide access to a network of business information and support services for new and existing businesses. www.librarybizconnect.org <https://exchange.howelllibrary.org/owa/redir.aspx?URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.librarybizconnect.org> [image: LibraryBizConnect] <http://www.librarybizconnect.org> [image: LibraryBizConnect] <https://www.facebook.com/librarybizconnectMI?ref=hl>[image: LibraryBizConnect] <https://www.linkedin.com/groups/LibraryBiz-Connect-4739891?gid=4739891&mostPopular=&trk=tyah&trkInfo=tarId%3A1422809793278%2Ctas%3Alibrarybiz%2Cidx%3A1-1-1> Bethany Kennedy, MLIS Director, Access Services Washtenaw Community College Bailey Library, GM 111 4800 East Huron River Dr. Ann Arbor, MI 48105-4800 ph: 734.477.8723 fax:734.677.2220 email: bakennedy@wccnet.edu