Business Services

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.

Upcoming Business Workshops »

Business Tools

Gale Business: Insights – 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.

Entrepreneurship – Access 700+ model business plans and detailed information on all aspects of starting and operating a business.

Foundation Directory Online – Search 140,000+ grant makers 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.

SimplyAnalytics –   Powerful, web-based mapping and data visualization tool that empowers you to explore demographics, consumer behavior, market potential, and more.

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

Walk-in co-working 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.

Young Entrepreneur Program (YEP)

Do you know a high school student who is interested in starting and growing a business? YEP participants can win up to $5,000! Read more »

Local leaders recently shared their expertise on starting a business, during National Small Business Week. They were open about their challenges and successes, including getting a business up and running during the pandemic. 

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.