If you’re an entrepreneur with a big idea for a small business, the Indianapolis Public Library will offer a series of free workshops, starting Sept. 8.
The series includes nine sessions from Sept. 8 to Sept. 30 on topics like reaching your target customers, dealing with the legal parts of starting a business and understanding financial statements. Each session is open to the public.
You don’t have to attend all the sessions to participate; you can pick what you want to learn about most. Walk-ins are welcome, but you’re encouraged to register. Each event is at Central Library, 40 E. St Clair St.
Sessions in the small business workshop series
6-7:30 p.m Sept. 8
Presented by Alex Balbuena, Latinos Indy Media. This program will be presented in Spanish.
Learn how to show your brand to more potential clients and keep those clients engaged.
The Legal Aspects of Starting a Small Business
6-7:30 p.m. Sept. 9
Presented by attorney Zachary Lange.
Lange will walk you through the different legal structures a business can have, such as an LLC or sole proprietorship.
6-7:30 p.m. Sept. 15
Presented by IK Sotomayor of JP The Geek and Indy Chamber’s Hispanic Business Council. This program will be presented in Spanish.
Learn how to have AI tools do the repetitive tasks in your business. Plus, this session will go over using AI in hiring employees, managing them and delegating work.
Don’t Fear the Spreadsheet: Small Biz Setup, Financial Statements & Reporting Requirements
6-7:30 p.m. Sept. 16
Presented by Hassan Khan, CPA
Learn about financial statements and how to make informed decisions about money.
Small Business and Intellectual Property Legal Clinic
4-6 p.m. Sept. 22
Presented by members of the Indy Bar Association’s Intellectual Property Section and Business Law Section
Drop in for 15-minute, one-on-one sessions with an attorney.
Protecting Your Business: An Intellectual Property Masterclass for Entrepreneurs
6-7:30 p.m. Sept. 22
Presented by attorneys Matt Metzger and Garrett Hutchinson.
Learn how to protect your business using patents, trademarks or trade secrets.
6-7:30 p.m. Sept. 23
Presented by Agnes Theodossiou, Indy Chamber’s Business Ownership Initiative.
What kind of loans does the Indy Chamber offer? Theodossiou will walk you through the options and teach you how to apply for a loan.
Start Strong: Indiana Business Taxes
6-7:30 p.m. Sept. 29
Presented by Nancy Tyree, Indiana Department of Revenue
Learn the types of taxes businesses deal with and how to correctly file your taxes.
Reach Your Target Customer: Creating a Marketing Plan for Your Business
6-7:30 p.m. Sept. 30
Presented by Ashley Martin of Cerulean Consulting Group
Martin will help you think through who your target audience is and what platforms will reach them the best.
Get free help from librarians with business expertise
Three librarians offer free one-on-one consultations to aspiring entrepreneurs or small business owners.
Each librarian who offers consultations has a specialty: Jim Mladenovic’s is small businesses; Ryan Donnelly’s is patents and trademarks; and Leah Kim’s is nonprofits.
What to expect when you meet with a business librarian
Mladenovic typically spends 50 minutes with entrepreneurs and shares knowledge on 12 to 15 topics. He takes notes and will compile a list of resources for you.
How to set up a one-on-one session
You can walk into the library and request information about starting a business, or reach out to Mladenovic, Donnelly or Kim directly. Their email addresses are:
- Jim Mladenovic, small business expert: jm*********@****pl.org
- Ryan Donnelly, patent and trademarks expert: rd*******@****pl.org
- Leah Kim, non-profit expert: lk**@****pl.org
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Sophie Young
Starting a small business? The Indianapolis Public Library offers free workshops.