Small Business Launchpad is an 8-week program for potential entrepreneurs and small business owners with previous state or federal convictions to learn how to start and run a business through expert-led presentations and workshops. This program runs every Wednesday evening on July 9 through August 27, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., in the Small Business Center at the Clark Family Branch. The Small Business Launchpad is sponsored by the Clark Family. Apply HERE by May 31!
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Small Business Programs in May
STL BizConnect
Tuesday, May 13, 9:30-12:30 p.m. @ Clark Family Branch
Connect and engage with organizations in the St. Louis area entrepreneurial ecosystem to learn about free or low cost support and funding opportunities for entrepreneurs and business owners. No registration required.
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Virtual Program: Legal Office Hours for Entrepreneurs
Tuesday, May 13, 5:00 p.m. 
Presented by Legal Services of Eastern Missouri
Join one of our community virtual legal clinics to have a chance to speak to an attorney one-on-one for 30 minutes. (Registration opens at 9:00 a.m. on May 1)
 
Programa Virtual: Horarios de Asesoría Jurídica de Negocios para Emprendedores
Martes, 13 de Mayo, 5:00 p.m.
Presentado por Legal Services of Eastern Missouri
Únase a una de nuestras clínicas legales comunitarias de manera virtual para tener la oportunidad de hablar con un abogado individualmente durante 30 minutos. (Registro se abre 9:00 a.m., 1 de Mayo)
 
AI & Business Plans: Smart Strategies for Entrepreneurs
Thursday, May 15, 2:00 p.m. @ Clark Family Branch (via Zoom simultaneously)
Tuesday, May 27, 6:00 p.m.  Florissant Valley Branch
Learn how to combine AI tools and library resources to craft a strong business plan! Use library databases for in-depth market research, then leverage AI tools to streamline financial projections, financial projections, strategy development, and more. This event will be held in person and via Zoom simultaneously.
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May 4 through May 10 
 
During National Small Business Week, we recognize the significant impact of small businesses on our local and national economies, and celebrate the hard work and innovation of these essential American entrepreneurs.
National Small Business Week Virtual Summit 2025
 
Dates: May 6 and 7, 2025 
Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm 
Where: Online
Cost: Free
 
Register HERE to transform your business with cutting-edge strategies and valuable connections at the National Small Business Week Virtual Summit—your gateway to growth, innovation, and success through:
  • Expert-led Webinars covering vital business topics to help you stay competitive
  • Direct Access to Business Experts for personalized guidance and advice
  • Networking Opportunities with fellow entrepreneurs and industry leaders
  • Free Business Tools you can implement immediately
  • Innovative Solutions from leading sponsors to streamline your operations
  • Government Resource Guide to funding, contracts and support programs
  • Inspiring Success Stories from business owners who have overcome similar challenges
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COMMUNITY PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
 
Asian American Chamber of Commerce 
 
The Asian American Chamber of Commerce St. Louis builds a community of Asian professionals, Asian business owners, and those engaging in business throughout Asia by:
  • Serving as a connector for St. Louis businesses to the Asian community
  • Providing professional development opportunities for Asian professionals and Asian-owned businesses
  • Connecting St. Louis businesses to Asia
  • Attracting Asian foreign direct investment to the St. Louis metro area.
     AACC St. Louis
      aaccstl.org
     20 S. Sarah Street Saint Louis MO 63108
     (314) 200-5455 
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Give STL Day, May 8th, helps nonprofits connect with donors, find new supporters, and increase awareness of their missions. This day of online giving, organized by St. Louis Community Foundation, is a powerful way to support local nonprofits making an impact in the St. Louis community. See details HERE.
Research other foundation giving through the Foundation Directory Online database under DATABASE SPOTLIGHT below.
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DATABASE SPOTLIGHT
 
Foundation Directory Online gives you access to information you need to be smart and strategic with your funding requests, and allows you to tap funding opportunities beyond open RFPS that make up less than 1% of total foundation funding. 
The database is not available remotely but can be accessed at all SLCL branches.
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Book a Librarian

For one-on-one assistance with your research needs or help navigating library databases, contact us through this form: Book a Librarian