Are you a Small Business owner or want to become one?
We can help! Stark Library is here to help you realize your dreams and take important steps in your small business journey. From Community Partners that can help you navigate the many aspects of owning your own business, to online & on-site resources, this page is dedicated to helping guide you in the right direction.
From Our Collection:
Our Collection has a wealth of knowledge available to you with your Stark Library Card - check out any of these books to help get you started today!
On-Site at the Library:
On-Site Library Resources can help you with your small business journey. Choose from our Maker Studio, Meeting & Study Rooms, Notary services, and Hotspots for free WIFI access.
Meeting and Study Rooms
Meeting and Study Rooms: Small Business Connections
Maker Studio: Business
Maker Studio: Small Business Connections
Community Partners:
Canton Chamber of Commerce
Whether you want stronger connections, greater visibility, or a voice in shaping our region’s future, the Chamber is your partner in business success.
JumpStart
JumpStart equips tech startups and small businesses with the skills, services and support they need to grow and thrive.
SCORE
SCORE can help you start, grow or successfully exit a business. Small business owners who receive three or more hours of mentoring report higher revenues and increased growth.
Stark Economic Community Board (SEDB)
The SEDB is here to assist existing businesses grow and expand, attract new companies and help entrepreneurs start new businesses.
The Alliance will assist early-stage or start-up companies and small to medium size businesses in the Stark County area. Areas of focus include: Business Consulting, Equity or Debt Financing, and provide Legal and Accounting references.
Visit Canton
Visit Canton can help small business owners (or prospective owners) with small business support. Find multiple resources on their website including local grants and marketing support.
Support Organizations:
Northeast Ohio
Akron Urban League Entrepreneur Empowerment Center
This center holds the designation of a Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC).
Economic & Community Development Institute (ECDI)
A place for small business loans, support, and education.
The MPAC helps cultivate minority, women, and veteran owned businesses.
Stark Urban League
Connects minority entrepreneurs with economic opportunities.
State of Ohio
Ohio.gov
Free resources including planning, registering and licensing your business.
Ohio Secretary of State Business
File for your business or nonprofit here.
Ohio Department of Taxation (ODT)
"Ohio Virtual Tax Academy" - this self-paced training course provides guidance using interactive content, real-world scenarios, and knowledge checks to reinforce learning.
National (USA)
IRS
Your official federal tax information page for small businesses.
Small Business Administration
A federal agency that is here to assist and counsel small businesses.
Social Enterprise Accelerator (SEA)
For social focused enterprises, offers training to get your impactful business up and running, complete with a network of funders and investors.
Online Library Resources:
Online Resources are a great way to utilize your Stark Library card and up your Small Business game! See featured Small Business related Resources below, or explore our vast number of options HERE
Featured Resources
Small Business Reference Center
Candid (formerly Foundation Directory Online and GuideStar)
Morningstar Investment Research Center
LinkedIn Learning
On-Site Training:
Need Help with Technology? We're Here for You!
Whether you're learning something new or just need a little guidance, our friendly staff is ready to help with on-site Tech Training classes and/or personalized one-on-one technology appointments tailored to your needs.
We can help you:
- Access eBooks, audiobooks, streaming services, and other digital library resources
- Set up and navigate a new smartphone, tablet, or computer
- Create and manage an email account
- Learn how to use apps and online services
- Navigate software updates and device settings
- Get connected with your new technology and build confidence using it
One-on-one appointments are customized to your questions and skill level, so you can learn at your own pace. Call 330-458-3160 to schedule your one-on-one technology training appointment today!
Our Tech Training classes run throughout the year and are available for FREE with your Stark Library card. Check out our list of upcoming classes below and get started today!
Grants and Patents:
Grants
JobsOhio
We support small businesses with grants for equipment, training, rolling stock, software, and more—helping you get the resources needed to take the next step.
Jumpstart
We a four-week virtual workshop series for growth-minded small businesses and nonprofits.
Ohio Department of Development
We work to support Ohio's businesses, large and small, as they maneuver in the global economy.
Stark Community Foundation
We help individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about in our community and beyond.
Team NEO
We focus on what drives economic development: helping companies stay, grow, and choose Northeast Ohio, creating jobs, and expanding opportunity across our14-county region.
*We also offer Candid, a Resource for Funding. Only available at Main Library.
Patents
Akron-Summit County Public Library's Patent & Trademark Resource Center
We offer access to resources from the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) in a variety of formats, including instructional classes, books, databases and handouts.
United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO)
United States Copyright Office
Learn about the basics of copyright with our online reference page.
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