The Novel Creations Pop-Up Market Series is designed to equip entrepreneurial artisans, crafters, and makers with the vital marketing strategies and supportive community needed to transform their creative work into thriving enterprises.
Participants will gain practical skills in branding, marketing, and online presence throughout this eight-week series designed to elevate their marketing savvy. The series culminates in a public pop-up market. Applications will be accepted July 1-July 31.
The series will take place on Wednesday or Thursday evenings from 5:30-7:30 p.m. from September 9/10 - October 29/30, with the Pop-Up Market open to the public on Small Business Saturday, November 29. All sessions and the market will take place at the Clark Family Branch.
 
Apply at this link - APPLICATION - by July 31!
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Small Business Programs in July
 
Virtual Program: Introduction to Project Budgets
Tuesday, July 1, 1:00 p.m.
Presented by Candid
Learn the basic elements with step-by-step instructions on how to generate a standard project budget for a foundation proposal. We will discuss the basic components of a project budget, how to estimate the realistic cost of a project, and what other financial documents you may also need to submit with your proposal. Register through Candid here: Project Budgets
 
Virtual Program: Legal Office Hours for Entrepreneurs / Programa Virtual: Horarios de Asesoría Jurídica de Negocios para Emprendedores
Tuesday, July 8, 5:00 p.m.
Presented by Legal Services of Eastern Missouri
Join our community virtual legal clinic to speak to an attorney one-on-one for 30 minutes. This program offers support in both English and Spanish.
Registration opens July 1, 9:00 a.m. / Registro se abre 9:00 a.m., 1 de Julio
 
Drilling Down on Business Demographics with Simply Analytics (and More)
Monday, July 14, 2:00 p.m. @ Clark Family Branch
Thursday, July 31, 6:00 p.m. @ Clark Family Branch & Virtual
Simply Analytics and other SLCL databases have thousands of cross tabulated datasets that can be used to better understand your customer base. Explore a few unique and interesting options for using and finding the in depth data in these databases. 
Podcasting 101
Thursday, July 17, 6:00 p.m. @ Clark Family Branch Creative Lab
Do you have a passion for storytelling, music, or simply want to share your thoughts with the world? Dive into the exciting world of podcasting and learn the basics of formatting, recording, and editing your very own podcast. You will learn:
1. Podcasting Fundamentals: Understand what makes a successful podcast, including identifying your target audience, developing your podcast concept, and crafting engaging episode formats.
2. Recording Techniques: Learn how to use microphones, recording software, and other essential tools to capture high-quality audio for your podcast.
3. Editing Essentials: Explore the basics of audio editing software and techniques to enhance your recordings, including adding music, sound effects, and removing background noise.
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work·a·hol·ic
 
We know the hustle is real for small business owners and entrepreneurs. 
National Workaholics Day on July 5th isn't about slowing down ambition, but about recognizing the importance of work-life balance for your health and the longevity of your business. Your business thrives when you thrive. Don't let burnout derail your entrepreneurial journey. Here's how to avoid common culprits:  
  • Obsessive Passion: While passion is key, avoid rigidity. Cultivate a flexible mindset, understanding varied paths to growth. 
  • Social Isolation: Recognize the impact of loneliness on perspective and motivation. Combat loneliness by building a strong support network for advice and collaboration. 
  • Constant Uncertainty: Manage the inherent risks with contingency plans and healthy coping strategies to avoid being overwhelmed.
  • Overworking: Prevent physical and emotional exhaustion by learning to delegate and establishing work-life boundaries.
These library resources can help you mitigate the risks of burnout:
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Headspace recommends mindfulness tools for everyday life, including meditations, sleepcasts, mindful movement, and focus exercises.
 
LinkedIn Learning provides online courses in building resistance, planning for contingencies, delegation, mindfulness, and more.
 
Udemy offers on-demand self-paced video courses on avoiding burnout and stress, flexibility, networking, time management, work-life balance, and more.
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The SBA has opened a Business Recovery Center at 3140 Cass Avenue in St. Louis. Representatives from both the SBA and FEMA will be on hand to provide guidance to business owners on low interest loan and other financial assistance applications. Details HERE
WeBuild: Tornado Tech Triage connects volunteer tech talent - developers, designers, analysts, project managers, and media creators - to local businesses & nonprofits impacted by the storm. If you need critical tech support as a direct result of the May 16 tornado, please submit a project request here: Tech Triage
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USPS 2025 Rate Hike: Nonprofit Impact
The U.S. Postal Service will be implementing new postage rates starting July 13, 2025. Fortunately, nonprofits will continue to receive some of the most substantial postage discounts available, making direct mail a highly successful fundraising channel. Read here for details: What Nonprofits Need to Know
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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