Explore new business resources and programs in 2018 with SCLSNJ

The Somerset County Library System of New Jersey (SCLSNJ) is committed to enhancing business resources available for the small business community. In January, the Library System will offer patrons free access to two new resources: Lynda.com and Gale Small Business Builder (GSBB); a series of three business programs from January through March; and two new business tool kits with a focus on nonprofits and small businesses.

Out of the 17,000-plus businesses in Somerset County, 12,752 employ less than 11 individuals qualifying these employer-types as small business operations, according to Reference USA. The Library is dedicated to helping small businesses succeed and to educate potential small business owners and entrepreneurs.

The Library is a resource for home-based and/or microbusinesses, which typically have limited staff and resources, by offering a space to meet; information and research-based data, resources, and programs; as well as unique, no-cost networking opportunities.

“SCLSNJ recently added GSBB to their ever growing list of services for the Somerset County small business community. Those services include: educational and informational programs on topics relevant to the small business community; business-centric online resources such as Reference USA; business space that can be reserved to meet with clients and business partners; readily available scanning, photocopying, faxing, and free wifi,” said Cathy DeBerry, adult services librarian at the Warren Twp. branch.

GSBB is aimed at two main audiences: the entrepreneur and the experienced small business owner. GSBB offers a dashboard that can easily guide users in creating a business plan.

“Small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs will want to delve into GSBB, a unique online resource for libraries. It offers a guided approach to business planning and is designed for users with varying levels of expertise. There are proven business planning tools and templates to assist users with all the steps involved in starting a new business and to facilitate the management and growth of existing operations,” said Linda Tripp, SCLSNJ collection development librarian.

In addition to GSSB, the Library will also offer patrons access to the online learning site, Lynda.com. The online resource offers a user-friendly interface that includes over 6,000 courses and video tutorials from industry experts in creative, technology, and business fields.

Lynda.com’s wealth of courses range from beginner to advanced levels with new topics and tutorials added regularly.

“Patrons can learn to code, build a website, create a resume, and more. Want to learn or brush up on skills such as project management, negotiation, leadership, online marketing strategy, or data analysis? Explore the Business learning path for more than 1200 courses and professional development tutorials on these topics and more, ” said Linda Tripp, collection development librarian.

First, learn or enhance your skills on Lynda.com. Then take your new knowledge and act upon your New Year resolution to build the business plan you’ve been wanting to create using GSBB. By partnering with your local SCLSNJ branch your possibilities are endless.

“For the past five years, the Library System has striven to be the best resource for business professionals in Somerset County. With the addition of these new products and offerings, I know we are delivering on that strategic goal,” said DeBerry.

Additionally, SCLSNJ will introduce two new business kits to the existing collection–one for nonprofit professionals and the other to support GSBB.

“Business kits are like a classroom in a box, full of librarian-curated materials on the best and most current books and publications on a variety of topics important to the small business owner,” said DeBerry.

Lastly, SCLSNJ will also host three business-centered programs in the first quarter of 2018, including the 3rd Annual Business Makers Day.

“Partnering with SCLSNJ for their third Annual Business Makers Day is a complete home run for the Somerset County Business Partnership (SCBP). Not only does the Library provide valuable resources to our 760 members and 45,000 employees, but their staff is dedicated to making Somerset County a great place to live, work, play, and do business. We look forward to having a wonderful networking event,” said Chris Edwards, director of business development for SCBP.

Explore 2018 Business programs:

Are You Ready to Be an Entrepreneur?
Exploring a New Resource: Gale Small Business Builder
January 22, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
SCLSNJ’s Warren Twp. Library branch, located at 42 Mountain Boulevard in Warren Twp.
Learn about SCLSNJ’s latest business resource: Gale Small Business Builder. Business librarian Cathy DeBerry will offer a brief overview of a new online cloud-based resource available through SCLSNJ that will help an entrepreneur navigate through the process of writing a business plan. The presentation will focus on the Entrepreneur Profile, a function of Gale’s Small Business Builder, which will assist any existing or fledgling business owner find out if he/she has what it takes to be successful. SCORE mentors will be on hand for one-on-one consultations at the conclusion of the presentation. Registration is requested: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/274918.

Which Corporation Type is Right for You?
Exploring a New Resource: Gale Small Business Builder
February 15, 7-8:30 p.m.
SCLSNJ’S Hillsborough Library branch, located at 379 South Branch Road in Hillsborough
You’ve done your research and decided on a business product or service. Which corporation type is right for you? Gale Small Business Builder, an SCLSNJ online resource will guide you. Business librarian Cathy Briant will offer a brief overview that will walk any entrepreneur through the process of determining the ideal business structure. The presentation will focus on the Entrepreneur Profile, a function of Gale’s Small Business Builder, which will assist any existing or fledgling business owner to find out if he/she should organize as a sole proprietorship, a partnership, or an LLC. SCORE mentors will be on hand for one-on-one consultations at the conclusion of the presentation. Registration is requested: sclsnj.libnet.info/somerset/event/562925.

SCLSNJ’s 3rd Annual Business Makers Day
Featuring Mike Michalowicz, author of “Surge,” “Profit First,” “The Pumpkin Plan,” and “The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur”
March 9, 8:30-11 a.m.
SCLSNJ’s Bridgewater Library branch, located at 1 Vogt Drive in Bridgewater
Small and micro business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders are invited to Be a Business Maker at SCLSNJ’s 3rd Annual Business Makers Day event. This professional mini-conference will feature Mike Michalowicz, author of several books including best-seller “Profit First;” and a brief presentation by industry giant Gale/Cengage who will be introducing their groundbreaking small business builder resource. Coffee, tea, and light refreshments will be served. This event is free to attend, but registration is required: sclsnj.libnet.info/somerset/event/132494.

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About SCBP
The Somerset County Business Partnership (SCBP) is a Chamber of Commerce serving the businesses and residents of Somerset County. Our mission is to lead the business community to a prosperous future and sustainable future. The effectiveness of the SCBP is based on a partnership among Somerset County’s major employers, small and medium sized business, non-profit organizations, Somerset County Freeholders and the 21 local municipalities. With over 760 member, SCBP provides essential services for any business in the community. Learn more at SCBP.org.

About NJ Advance Media
NJ Advance Media provides content, advertising and marketing services to NJ.com and New Jersey’s leading newspaper, The Star-Ledger, and additional daily and weekly newspapers in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Our focus is on developing a real-time approach to reporting news, sports and entertainment content that’s most relevant to New Jerseyans for consumption across all platforms and devices. We help connect businesses with customers. In addition to flexible advertising opportunities with powerful media vehicles that we represent, we offer custom digital solutions from web and mobile site development, to a sophisticated array of search and social media optimization and targeted display solutions to reach audiences on all platforms. Learn more at njadvancemedia.com.

About SCORE
SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. We have been doing this for over fifty years. Because our work is supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and thanks to our network of 10,000 volunteers, we are able to deliver our services at no charge or at very low cost. Learn more at SCORE.org.

About Gale, A Cengage Company
For more than 60 years, Gale, a Cengage Company has partnered with libraries around the world to empower the discovery of knowledge and insights by all people, for all purposes. Knowledge is power, and the act of learning is empowering. Access to knowledge offers learners an opportunity to discover the motivation and inspiration vital to making a positive contribution in not only their own lives, but the rest of the world. That’s why Gale provides libraries with original and curated content, as well as the modern research tools that are crucial in connecting libraries to learning, and learners to libraries. Learn more at gale.com.