Free Small Business Series Launching September 9 at Central Library
The Indianapolis Public Library is excited to invite business owners and entrepreneurs to attend a series of programs designed to educate and inspire. Our Small Business Series, launching on September 9 and running until October 1 at Central Library, will cover essential business topics such as financial statements, law, marketing, certifications, and intellectual property.
“We are thrilled to bring back the Small Business Series for its third year, with more workshops than ever before,” said Kate Lietz, public services librarian at The Indianapolis Public Library. “Whether you’re just starting out with an idea or you’ve been in the game for a while, these sessions will provide valuable insights and practical advice to help you achieve your goals. We aim to support and empower our local business community with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed."
The Small Business Series at Central Library is made possible by Friends of the Library through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.
For a full schedule and to register online, click here.
Monday, September 9 from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Data Axle Training
Presented by Darlene Fox with Andra Roussel from Data Axle Reference Solutions
Data Axle Reference Solutions is a research and reference tool available for free through the library. Learn how to effectively use this database to identify new sales prospects, create marketing lists, identify key business contacts, gather competitive business intelligence, and more.
Darlene Fox is the electronic resource librarian for the Indianapolis Public Library. Andra Roussell is the Executive Account Manager for Data Axle Reference Solutions.
Monday, September 9 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
The Legal Aspects of Starting a Small Business
Presented by Zach Lange
In this workshop, you will be introduced to some of the essential legal aspects of starting a small business, such as how to choose a legal structure for your business.
Zach Lange is a business attorney at Jeselskis Brinkerhoff and Joseph, LLC. His practice areas include contract drafting and negotiation, general business counsel, general government counsel, business formation and transactions, business incentive identification, and economic development projects. He also provides counsel in the areas of corporate governance and regulatory matters.
Tuesday, September 10 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Reach Your Target Customer: Creating a Marketing Plan for Your Business
Presented by Ashley Martin
Learn practical strategies and actionable insights to effectively connect with your desired target audience, including how to develop a robust marketing plan tailored to your unique business objectives; leverage various marketing channels—both online and offline; and craft compelling messages the easy way using free AI tools like ChatGPT.
Ashley Martin is a mission-driven community builder, and her purpose is to connect youth, women, and communities of color to organizations that improve their quality of life. As Founder & CEO of Cerulean Consulting Group, she and her team of multicultural marketers root clients large and small in the principles of both marketing and community—believing that “we are better together.” Learn more about Martin and Ceruelan on their website, www.CeruleanConsultingGroup.com.
Monday, September 16 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Start Strong
Presented by Nancy Tyree from the Indiana Department of Revenue
This presentation is geared toward aspiring entrepreneurs and those just starting their small business. We’ll cover some basic information about Indiana business taxes including how to register to collect and remit state taxes, an overview of common tax types that your business may deal with and how to file and pay business taxes correctly.
Tuesday, September 17 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Stay Strong
Presented by Nancy Tyree from the Indiana Department of Revenue
This presentation is for small business owners who are just starting out or growing their business and have more complicated questions about their state tax requirements. We’ll address how to avoid bills and navigate audits, remote seller rules, paying use tax and how to stay compliant with your business taxes.
Monday, September 23 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Small Business & Intellectual Property Legal Clinic
Do you have questions about the legal aspects of starting a business or intellectual property such as trademarks and patents? Drop by the Legal Clinic to meet one-on-one with an attorney (for approximately 15 minutes). Appointments will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up outside the Riley Room at Central Library.
Participating attorneys include members of the Indy Bar Association's Intellectual Property Section and Business Law Section.
Monday, September 23 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Protecting Your Business: An Intellection Property Masterclass for Entrepreneurs
Presented by Matt Metzger & Garrett Hutchinson
Learn how to safeguard your groundbreaking ideas with patents, protect confidential data with trade secrets, establish a strong brand with trademarks, and secure your creative works with copyrights.
Tuesday, September 24 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Don’t Fear the Spreadsheet: Small Biz Setup, Financial Statements, & Reporting Requirements
Presented by Mehnaz Qureshi
This workshop will explore different types of financial statements, how to understand them, and how to use them to manage your business and make numbers-informed business decisions.
Mehnaz Qureshi is an accountant and entrepreneur who has led Indy Tax Service, a woman-owned, minority-owned business, for two decades.
Monday, September 30 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Certification of MBE/WBE/DOBEs in the City of Indianapolis
Presented by Office of Minority & Women Business Development
City of Indianapolis
This workshop will provide an overview of the City of Indianapolis’ Minority, Women, veteran, and/or Disabled-Owned Business Enterprise program, including benefits and requirements of certification, the application process, and recertification.
Ava Taylor is the manager of planning and development, City of Indianapolis-Office of Minority and Women Business Development (OMWBD).
Tuesday, October 1 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
AI and the Entrepreneur: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Enhance Your Business
Presented by James Mladenovic
The goal of this presentation is to educate traditional business owners on the power and possibilities of integrating AI tools in various aspects of their business. We will cover topics such as learning what AI is and how it works, a review of some of the current cutting-edge applications in business, and live demonstrations of some AI tools that can be used by just about anyone.
James Mladenovic is the business librarian at Indianapolis Public Library’s Central Library.
Media Contact: Keshia McEntire, Public Relations Manager, kmcentire@indypl.org