The Columbus Metropolitan Library is connecting entrepreneurs and business owners with with the library resources they can use to start and grow their businesses. The library will continue offering a variety of free classes at The Learning Lab at the Main Library, 96 S. Grant Ave. Classes cover topics from grants and market research, to fellow business owners sharing their real-world experience.
Browse the list of classes and times below. Registration is not required. Can’t make a class? The Learning Lab is ready to help Monday – Thursday from 12 – 3 p.m. and Friday – Sunday from 1 – 5 p.m.
Starting a Small Business
Learn how to use the library’s online resources to write your business plan, choose industry codes and research companies and competitors.
Tuesday, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
- February 5
- March 5
- April 2
- April 30
Market Research for Entrepreneurs
Learn how to use the library’s online resources to identify potential customers, target your market and find industry reports.
Tuesday, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
- January 15
- February 12
- March 12
- April 9
- May 7
Experience Entrepreneurship – Business Speaker Series
Join fellow entrepreneurs for a presentation by a guest speaker on special business topics.
Small Business Finance – Mike Hadra, SCORE
Tuesday, February 19 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Hadra is a member of SCORE Columbus and a retired executive who has helped launch more than 30 businesses. He’ll discuss the importance of financial reporting, basic accounting principles and budgeting to manage a business.
Marking Plans – Tonya Wilson, Small Business Development Center
Tuesday, March 19 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Wilson is the program coordinator for the Ohio Small Business Development Center and is responsible for the center’s branding and marketing strategy. She’ll discuss how to develop a marketing plan to reach customers and build your business
The Start-up Experience – Anne Boninsegna, The Kitchen
Tuesday, April 16 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Boninsegna is co-owner of The Kitchen, a participatory cooking and dining venue in German Village. She’ll discuss her experience opening a unique restaurant and event space.
Grants for Nonprofits & Individuals
Learn about resources for individual grant-seekers or for growing and sustaining a nonprofit organization.
Monday, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
- February 4
- March 4
- April 1
- April 29
Tuesday, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
- January 22
- February 26
- March 19
- April 16
- May 14
For more information, visit columbuslibrary.org.