Both locations will be closed Sunday, Mar. 31. Our E-Library is always open »

Business Services


Launch walk-in coworking space at the library

THINKING ABOUT STARTING a business? We can help! Our Launch at the Library business services include free workshops, powerful online tools, and one-on-one consultations for starting and growing your business. We can assist with creating a business plan, marketing your business, or even finding customers.

Business Workshops

Mar 12, Marketing on a Shoestring Budget, 1 pm* – Live webinar
Mar 14, SBDC Office Hours at Launch Business Center, 12–3 pm
Mar 18, Customer Reviews: Why You Need Them and How to Get Them, 1 pm* – Live webinar
Mar 26, Grant Writing Basics, 7 pm
Mar 28, Social Media 101, 10 am* – Live webinar

Apr 11, Mastering Instagram Reels, 10 am – Live webinar
Apr 11, SBDC Office Hours at Launch Business Center, 12–3 pm
Apr 23, Board Bootcamp: Basics of Strategic Planning for Nonprofits, 4 pm
Apr 29, Small Business Marketing Essentials, 1 pm* – Live webinar

5/8, Writing a Business Plan, 9 am
5/8, SBDC Office Hours at Launch Business Center, 12–3 pm

*Some events require registration. For all events »


Business Tools

Business Insights: Global – Acquire business intelligence, market share reports, SWOT analyses, and company histories.

City of Champaign Business PortalConnect with incentive programs, permit applications, and find out how to bid on city projects.

DemographicsNow Discover demographics, market analysis, and customer spending habits. Create mailing lists and map your results.

EntrepreneurshipAccess 700+ model business plans and detailed information on all aspects of starting and operating a business. ;

Foundation Directory OnlineSearch 140,000+ grantmakers to find funders supporting your individual mission. Available at the library.

Gale Courses – Choose from 375 topics including grant writing and business software. New sessions start every month.

LinkedIn Learning – Offers 16,000 on-demand training courses taught by industry experts.

Mergent Intellect – Obtain industry reports, research companies, and learn about 210 million consumers.

Plan Builder – Use this online planning tool to start, manage, market, and optimize a business or nonprofit.

Reference Solutions – Research companies, competitors, and best customers, including addresses and buying habits of 299 million consumers. Was ReferenceUSA.

Statista – Access data and statistics on more than 80,000 topics across 1,000+ industries.


Walk-in coworking space

Launch Business Center – Our walk-in coworking space includes group tables, private alcoves, whiteboards, and an interactive display for meetings and presentations. View 360º photo >>

Meeting Rooms

Schedule your next meeting at the library! Meeting rooms are available free to nonprofit groups and for a fee to profit and non-resident groups. Our beautiful spaces include glass-walled conference rooms and an auditorium that seats up to 120 people. About meeting rooms »

Library cards for your staff

Champaign-based businesses can sign up staff for free library cards. Available for employees who don’t otherwise qualify for a card. Sign up your business »

Book-a-Librarian

Need help starting or growing your business? Set up a one-on-one consultation with one of our experts.


Watch 40+ recordings of Business Workshops on the library’s YouTube channel.

Missed a workshop? Some of our most popular recordings include Go-To Tips for Getting Grants, The Art of Podcasting, and Leveraging Events in Champaign Center. 

Sign up

Get announcements about business events.


Suggested Reads


Lauren Gramly, Business Specialist

Questions? Ask us.

Lauren Gramly
Business Specialist
Adult Services
217/403-2000
info@champaign.org

 

Questions? Ask Us.