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Published:
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Sno-Isle offers free help for small-business owners
By M.L. Dehm
SCBJ Freelance Writer
Small business owners in Snohomish and Island counties now have free access to online databases, reference books, directories and other business resources through the Sno-Isle Libraries database.
There also is a series of online videos illustrating how to use these resources.
“We had some grant money last year and were able to make the videos,” said Terry Beck, manager of adult-teen services at Sno-Isle Libraries. “We got some national publicity on them so we’re really excited about that.”
Videos feature entrepreneurs who have used Sno-Isle business resources. These include Mark Laska, owner of the BBQ Joint in Oak Harbor; Bill Church, owner of Bow Wow Bill’s in Arlington; and Monroe attorney Ed Rivera.
Videos, reference materials and other resources also can be accessed using a Sno-Isle Libraries’ branch computer and a Sno-Isle library card, which is available to Snohomish and Island county residents and business owners.
Perhaps most helpful to new business owners are business plans entrepreneurs have compiled. These sample plans can be used as a guide for new business plans and cover many industries, including manufacturing, retail and service.
Sno-Isle also can help entrepreneurs look at industry trends through resources such as Value Line and Morningstar. Beck explained while these publications are best known for tracking stocks, they also track industries.
“If you’re a small-business person looking to start a new business, you really want to do an industry survey and find out how it’s doing and what its potential is,” she said. “Who would have predicted cupcakes would be a hit 10 years ago?”
The Associations Unlimited database can help business owners monitor trends, view marketing and do professional networking within a specific local, national or international association. Business Source Premiere is another way for entrepreneurs to track trends.
The ABI-INFORM Trade & Industry resource offers trade and industry-focused information, including journal articles, market reports, industry reports and news about most major industries.
Other tools from Sno-Isle can help business owners develop cold-calling lists or search out local suppliers. ReferenceUSA is a business phone directory search tool for the U.S. and Canada. There are links to Access Washington and several online reference books.
For business owners who don’t have a computer or want more information about how to use the resources, Sno-Isle offers a service called Book a Librarian. Beck said that library users are able to get 30 to 60 minutes of one-on-one instruction from a librarian. With an appointment, librarians can be consulted by email, chat or phone.
Perhaps even more useful for some entrepreneurs is help from SCORE, the Service Corps of Retired Executives. This nonprofit group of active and retired business professionals provides free and confidential advice for entrepreneurs.
“They do a lot of one-on-one coaching and counseling for owners of small businesses,” Beck said.
SCORE volunteers meet at Sno-Isle’s Lynnwood branch. A one-hour appointment should be booked in advance through the Lynnwood Library.
Business owners can also reserve a computer at their local library. This saves waiting time.
For more information about business services and resources, go to www.sno-isle.org or call your local branch.
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