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.
Sessions in the small business workshop series
Aprovechando las Redes Sociales para el Crecimiento Empresarial / Leveraging Social Media for Business Growth
🗓️ 6-7:30 p.m Sept. 8
📍 Central Library, 40 E. Saint Clair St.
🎟️ Free
This program will be presented in Spanish by Alex Balbuena and Latinos Indy Media. 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
📍 Central Library, 40 E. Saint Clair St.
🎟️ Free
Presented by attorney Zachary Lange, who will walk you through the different legal structures a business can have, such as an LLC or sole proprietorship.
Más crecimiento, menos estrés: Impulsa tu negocio con el poder de la Inteligencia Artificial / Boost your Business with Artificial Intelligence
🗓️ 6-7:30 p.m. Sept. 15
📍 Central Library, 40 E. Saint Clair St.
🎟️ Free
This program will be presented in Spanish by IK Sotomayor of JP The Geek and Indy Chamber’s Hispanic Business Council. 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
📍 Central Library, 40 E. Saint Clair St.
🎟️ Free
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
📍 Central Library, 40 E. Saint Clair St.
🎟️ Free
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
📍 Central Library, 40 E. Saint Clair St.
🎟️ Free
Presented by attorneys Matt Metzger and Garrett Hutchinson. Learn how to protect your business using patents, trademarks or trade secrets.
Financing Your Small Business: How to Access Loans through CDFI
🗓️ 6-7:30 p.m. Sept. 23
📍 Central Library, 40 E. Saint Clair St.
🎟️ Free
Presented by Agnes Theodossiou of Indy Chamber’s Business Ownership Initiative. What kind of loans does the Indy Chamber offer as a Community Development Financial Institution? 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
📍 Central Library, 40 E. Saint Clair St.
🎟️ Free
Presented by Nancy Tyree of the 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
📍 Central Library, 40 E. Saint Clair St.
🎟️ Free
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
Business 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 other librarians can help you with 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 or Donnelly directly. Their email addresses are:
- Jim Mladenovic, small business expert: jmladenovic@indypl.org
- Ryan Donnelly, patent and trademarks expert: rdonnelly@indypl.org
Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations.
Mirror Indy reporter Sophie Young covers services and resources. Contact her at sophie.young@mirrorindy.org.
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
