Free Small Business Workshop Series Launching September 12 at Central Library
The Indianapolis Public Library invites business owners and entrepreneurs to attend a new series of programs especially designed for the needs of small businesses, launching on September 12 and running until September 26. The free workshops at Central Library will teach social media marketing, financial statements, and the legal aspects of launching a business. In addition, Central Library has partnered with the Indy Bar Association to host a free Intellectual Property legal clinic, giving patrons an opportunity to speak with an attorney one-on-one and ask questions about their intellectual property.
“This workshop series allows entrepreneurs to make professional connections and gain skills that will help them take their vision to the next level,” said Alexandra Loewen, public services librarian with The Indianapolis Public Library. “Some attendees may have an idea regarding a potential business in their head, and they might want guidance on how to bring that vision to life. Others may have been in business for years but are looking to pivot and grow. In either case, the world is reevaluating the way we work post-pandemic and it's the perfect time to take advantage of these free workshops and invest in new skills.”
The Small Business Workshop Series is presented in partnership with the Indianapolis Bar Association, the Indianapolis Recorder, the Indiana Small Business Development Center, and the Indy Black Chamber of Commerce.
The schedule can be found below:
Don’t Fear the Spreadsheet: Financial Statements and Your Small Business
Monday, September 12; 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Pre-registration is required through the Library’s website.
This workshop will explore the different types of financial statements, how to understand them, how to develop them for your business plan, and how to use them to manage your business and make numbers-informed business decisions. Presenter: Mehnaz Qureshi, Indy Tax Service
Intellectual Property Legal Clinic
Monday, September 12; 4:00 – 6:30 p.m.
The legal clinic is being offered in partnership with the Indy Bar Association. Patrons can meet one-on-one with an attorney for approximately 15 minutes to ask their intellectual property (patents, trademarks, copyrights) questions. Consultations will be available in-person on a first-come, first-served basis. Participating attorneys include members of the Indy Bar Association’s Intellectual Property Section.
The Legal Aspects of Starting a Small Business
Tuesday, September 20; 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Pre-registration is required through the Library’s website.
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. Presenter: Alexandra Blackwell, Jeselskis Brinkerhoff and Joseph, LLC
Social Media Marketing for Small Businesses
Monday, September 26; 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Pre-registration is required through the Library’s website.
Having an online presence is now critically important for any business. This workshop will help you to evaluate and select social media platforms for your business and use these platforms in both practical applications and long-term relationship building with your customers. Presenter: Ashley Martin, Cerulean Consulting Group