Square One Small Business and Workforce Development Services by Mid-Continent Public Library

Square One Small Business Services at Mid-Continent Public Library supports local entrepreneurs through access to information, programs and opportunity. Whether owning a business is a brand new dream or your life’s work, MCPL is committed to helping you succeed.

About

Square One Small Business Services by Mid-Continent Public Library:

  • Seeks to connect local entrepreneurs and small business owners to the resources and services they need to be successful in today’s marketplace.
  • Includes business specialists who provide one-on-one attention, help, training and educational opportunities.
  • Provides valuable business tools—such as online databases like ReferenceUSA—as well as vital resources in the community.
  • Hosts free business seminars led by experienced, local experts on everything from financing and marketing a venture to customer service and advice on operating food-focused enterprises.

    Mid-Continent Public Library consists of 31 locations serving Clay, Jackson, and Platte counties in western Missouri. MCPL provides business reference materials, and many MCPL branches have free library programs and events for people who own small businesses or those contemplating starting a small business. Find a local branch by going to mymcpl.org.

    MCPL provides resource materials and online databases that can be used by business owners to access information related to starting or growing a business, including:

  • Sample business plans and templates
  • Marketing
  • Market research
  • Locate local businesses
  • Demographic data
  • Industry research
  • Company research
  • Grant databases
  • Online business guides and books
  • Financial literacy

Information is accessible at any of the 35 locations or online with an MCPL access pass. You can access help from, Kelly Head, the business information librarian, at the Colbern Road Library Center. Kelly is on-hand to answer reference questions via email at [email protected].

Services Provided

Business Planning

  • Demographic/Census Data
  • Market Research
  • Identification/Research of Foreign Markets

Management Issues

  • Human Resources

Import and Export Assistance

  • Identification/Research of Foreign Markets

Legal Services

  • Patent, Trademark & Copyright Information

Libraries and Research Organizations

  • Business Research Resources (Specialty)
  • Demographic/Census Data

Marketing/Sales

  • Demographics/Census Data
  • Competitive Analysis
  • Identification/Research of Foreign Markets
  • Market Research

Training

  • Marketing Plan Training
  • Startup Classes

Human Resources

  • Employee Development, Hiring and Policies
  • Retention

Starting a Business

  • Business Research Resources
  • Home-Based Business Training
  • Startup Business Counseling
  • Startup Classes

Mentoring

  • One-on-One Counseling (Specialty)
Contact Information
Kelly Head