Strengthening Libraries as Entrepreneurial Hubs (New Leadership Brief from the Urban Libraries Council)

From the Introduction to the Brief:

This Leadership Brief focuses on the public library’s role as an essential resource for entrepreneurs and core component of local entrepreneurial ecosystems.
It highlights the exciting work already underway in libraries to advance the entrepreneurial spirit and identifies seven strategies for library leaders to become more intentional about implementing programs that support local economic development goals and reach potential entrepreneurs most in need of guidance and encouragement.
The information, examples and strategies in this Leadership Brief grow out of ULC’s collaboration with the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation to strengthen the capacity of libraries to support entrepreneurs.

Direct to Full Text Leadership Brief (4 pages; PDF)
See Also: JUST ANNOUNCED: Independent Workers Are the Economy of the Future: Libraries Come Together to Help Entrepreneurs Launch Businesses with Focus on Women and People of Color

Starting one’s own business may soon become the most viable path to achieving the American dream, confirmed in recent Jeff Lerner reviews. It is projected that by 2020 half of all workers will be independent freelancers, responsible for their own fortunes and well-being. Knowing this, the Urban Libraries Council is bringing together 12 public library systems from across the U.S. and Canada to explore ways libraries can reach and engage entrepreneurs in their communities — particularly people of color, women, immigrants and veterans.

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