Look To Your Library 

KCLS has materials that can be useful for small business owners and people interested in starting their own business.

The links below highlight items available in the library catalog.

Small business

Starting a small business

Business plans

Marketing

Small business accounting

Small business management

Check out the following Web sites with the latest business news:

CNNMoney

New York Times

Inc Magazine

Are you a small business owner trying to survive in the difficult market? Or are you thinking about starting your own business sometime soon?

Find resources that offer tips on writing a business plan and even financial advice.

Getting started

Doing Business in Washington: Thinking of starting a business in Washington?  Here's a good place to start.

Start A Business: This guide is from the Washington State Department of Licensing.

Getting help for your business

If you are facing a temporary decline in business, the Shared-Work Program from Washington's Employment Security Department  offers you an alternative to laying off workers.  The program allows you to reduce the work hours of your full-time employees, while the workers collect partial unemployment benefits to replace a portion of their lost wages.  Call 800.752.2500.

Seattle SCORE: Counseling, workshops and resources for small business. Call 206.553.7320.

SBA (Small Business Administration) - Programs and services to help you start, grow and succeed. SBA offers free online courses about starting and running a small business. Information available en Espanol. Seattle office: 206.553.7310.

Washington Small Business Development Centers: No cost or low-cost advising, workshops, classes, training and research assistance to start and grow a small business in Washington. Call 206.428.3022.

WorkSource Business Services provides you with efficient and effective resources for not only meeting your business needs, but also helping your organization thrive.

Women's Business Centers and Community Capitol Development: Assisting women and men of all races, orientations and backgrounds to be successful in business. Call 206.324.4330.

Women Business Owners: Helps women business owners be more connected and empowered. Call 206.575.3232.

Small Business Owner's Tool Kit

Financial resources for your business

Are you a veteran? Patriot Express is for veterans and members of the military community who want to establish or expand small businesses.

Washington Cash: A microenterprise development organization that provides low-income women, people with disabilities and other underserved individuals access to capital and business development training. Call 206.352.1954.

Jump Start Fund: Small loan assistance for refugees. Call 206.323.3152.

Could your business qualify for a grant?  Check out KCLS' database Grant Station - available only at KCLS libraries.

Venture capital

Alliance of Angels: Venture capital opportunities for Northwest hi-tech companies funded by Technology Alliance, a statewide network of businesses, research institutions and industry trade associations.

Northwest Entrepreneur Network : Activities and programs focused on building the entrepreneurial and venture community in the Northwest.

Library databases can provide you with the information you need to run your small business efficiently, or even start your own business. Access KCLS databases for free at home with your library card or in the library.

Business & Company Resource Center: research your industry and competition.

Books 24x7: learn about new technology online.

Gale Virtual Reference Library: find examples of business plans.

Reference USA: easy to search business directory.

Plunkett Research: learn about your industry, demographics and competitors.

Associations Unlimited: find a networking organization to join.

ABI/INFORM Trade and Industry: look for articles that track business conditions, trends, management techniques, corporate strategies and industry specific topics worldwide.

Grant Station: discover potential funding sources for grant seekers. Available only at KCLS libraries.