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Free Small Business Series Launching September 11 at Central Library

08/30/2023
Free Small Business Series Launching September 11 at Central Library
This series provides entrepreneurs with the opportunity to establish valuable professional connections and acquire skills to elevate their aspirations.
This series provides entrepreneurs with the opportunity to establish valuable professional connections and acquire skills to elevate their aspirations..

The Indianapolis Public Library invites business owners and entrepreneurs to attend a series of programs designed to educate and inspire business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. Our small business series, launching on September 11 and running until September 26 at Central Library, will cover essential business topics such as financial statements, law, marketing, certifications, and intellectual property.

"This series provides entrepreneurs with the opportunity to establish valuable professional connections and acquire skills to elevate their aspirations," said Alexandra Loewen, public services librarian with The Indianapolis Public Library. "Some participants may have ideas for prospective businesses but might need direction to manifest those dreams. Meanwhile, others may have years of business experience but may be contemplating a shift and expansion. We have something for everyone here.”

The Small Business Series at Central Library is made possible by Friends of the Library through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation and is presented in partnership with the Indianapolis Bar Association, the Indianapolis Recorder, and the Indy Black Chamber of Commerce.

The schedule can be found below. Register online.

The Legal Aspects of Starting a Small Business

Monday, September 11 from 6–7:30 p.m.

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. This workshop will take place in the auditorium at Central Library. Presented by Zach Lange, business attorney at Jeselskis Brinkerhoff and Joseph, LLC.

Certification of MBE/WBE/VBE/DOBEs in the City of Indianapolis

Tuesday, September 12 from 6–7:30 p.m.

This workshop will provide an overview of the City of Indianapolis’s Minority, Women, Veteran, and/or Disabled-Owned Business Enterprises program. Topics covered include benefits and requirements of certification, the application process, and recertification. This workshop will take place in the auditorium at Central Library. Presented by Ava Taylor, manager of planning and development, City of Indianapolis-Office of Minority and Women Business Development (OMWBD)

Small Business & Intellectual Property Legal Clinic (1:1 Appointments)

Monday, September 18 from 4–6:30 p.m.

Do you have questions about a legal aspect 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. Then, stay for the Protecting Your Business: An Intellectual Property Masterclass for Entrepreneurs workshop, taking place in the auditorium at 6 p.m. See additional details and register to attend this workshop below. Participating attorneys include members of the Indy Bar Association’s Intellectual Property Section and Business Law Section.

Protecting Your Business: An Intellectual Property Masterclass for Entrepreneurs

Monday, September 18 from 6–7:30 p.m.

A small business owner and Intellectual Property attorney will guide you through the art of identifying and protecting your valuable intellectual property assets. As business owners and entrepreneurs, protecting our ingenious ideas and inventions is of paramount importance. In this workshop, you will learn how to safeguard your groundbreaking ideas with patents and protect confidential data with trade secrets. Also learn how to establish a strong brand with trademarks, and secure your creative works with copyrights. This workshop will take place in the auditorium at Central Library. Presented by Matt Metzger, an associate in Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP distinguished Intellectual Property group.

Reach Your Target Customer: Creating a Marketing Plan for Your Business:

Tuesday, September 19 from 6–7:30 p.m.

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. This workshop takes place in the auditorium at Central Library. Presented by Ashley Martin, the founder & CEO of Cerulean Consulting Group.

Don’t Fear the Spreadsheet: Financial Statements and Your Small Business:

Tuesday, September 26 from 6–7:30 p.m.

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. This workshop will take place in the auditorium at Central Library. Presented by Mehnaz Qureshi, an accountant and entrepreneur who has led Indy Tax Service, a woman-owned, minority-owned business, for two decades.