Business Services
THINKING ABOUT STARTING a business? We can help! Our Launch at the Library 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
Start + Grow Your Business | Spring 2023
Meets at Main Library
- Mar 14, VIRTUAL: Advertising with Google Ads, 10 am
- Mar 23, VIRTUAL: Social Media 201, 2 pm
- March 27, Fund Your Business, 7 pm (rescheduled from March 6)
- Mar 30, So You Want to Join a Nonprofit Board, 5:30 pm
- Apr 3, Create Content from Start to Finish, 6:30 pm
- Apr 12, VIRTUAL: Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act, 10:30 am
- Apr 13, Instagram for Business 101, 10 am
- Apr 18, Building Creative Confidence, 7 pm
- Apr 27, VIRTUAL: Tips for Creating Social Media Content, 2 pm
- May 2, Networking 101, 6:30 pm
- May 11, Let's Network | Community Meetup & Library Tour, 6:30 pm
- May 23, The Critical Leadership Skill, 7 pm
- May 25, Navigating Entrepreneurship, 12 pm
You’ll find 40+ recordings of business webinars on the library’s YouTube channel.
Missed some of this year's workshops or webinars? Some of our most watched workshops from 2022 include: Go-To Tips for Getting Grants, Art of Podcasting, and Leveraging Events in Champaign Center.
Business Tools
Business Insights: Global – Acquire business intelligence, market share reports, SWOT analyses, and company histories.
City of Champaign Business Portal – Connect 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.
Entrepreneurship – Access 700+ model business plans and detailed information on all aspects of starting and operating a business.
Foundation Directory Online – Search 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 business webinars anytime on the library’s YouTube channel.