Weekend Open House for The Studio! Oct 7 and 8 »

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

September

• Sep 7, VIRTUAL: Getting Started on Canva, 2 pm*
• Sep 14, SBDC Office Hours, drop in 12–3 pm ·  Launch Business Center
• Sep 14, Unlocking Entrepreneurship Opportunities for Immigrants, 7 pm*
• Sep 19, VIRTUAL: Advertising on Facebook, 10 am*
• Sep 19, Nonprofit Board Match Expo, 5:30–7:30 pm
• Sep 26, Navigating Entrepreneurship, 7 pm

October

• Oct 10, Building Endowments 101, 1 pm
• Oct 12, VIRTUAL: Audience Identification & Marketing Plans, 10 am*
• Oct 12, SBDC Office Hours, drop in 12–3 pm · Launch Business Center
• Oct 24, VIRTUAL: Holiday Marketing, 2 pm*
• Oct 24, Bring Your Social Media In-house & Make It Thrive, 7 pm

November

• Nov 7, Building Endowments 201, 1 pm
• Nov 8, VIRTUAL: Website Design Basics, 10 am*
• Nov 9, Starting Your Business in Illinois, 10 am*
• Nov 9, SBDC Office Hours, drop in 12–3 pm · Launch Business Center
• Nov 14, Financials for Entrepreneurs, 7 pm
• Nov 30, VIRTUAL: Google Profile & Analytics, 2 pm*

December

• Dec 13, VIRTUAL: Website Audit for 2024, 10 am*
• Dec 14, SBDC Office Hours, drop in 12–3 pm · Launch Business Center
• Dec 19, Write Your Business Plan, 7 pm

*Some events require registration.

You’ll find 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.


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 business webinars anytime on the library’s YouTube channel.


 

 

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Questions? Ask us.

Launch at the Library
Business Services
217/403-2000

info@champaign.org

 

Questions? Ask Us.