business services

“We’re starting a van conversion business. It’s amazing the capabilities Mark Pond has at the library. He shows how anyone can use big data and the library’s resources to their advantage in creating a business plan. Now we have our first client.” – Matt Mitchell, Entrepreneur

START OR GROW A BUSINESS

If you want to start a business, Spokane Public Library is the one-stop-shop to get connected with all things entrepreneurial around the Spokane region. Spokane Public Library has one of the best business reference collections of any public library in the nation. Get the info you need to launch or grow your business: demographics, industry trends, market research, and more.

BLOOMBERG TERMINAL

Spokane residents can access real-time financial news, analytics, communications, charts, liquidity and functionalities that you need to put financial and market research knowledge into action. Fun fact: We’re one of the only the public libraries in the country to offer this service.

Located at Central Library. Open the same hours as the Library. 

1-ON-1 SUPPORT

Give your business or start-up the cutting edge with free business development support from Spokane Public Library. Mark Pond, Business Librarian, is the RUSA Business Librarian of the Year for 2021, and he can help make your business a success.

IT'S BUSINESS TIME

The Business Lab at Spokane Public Library should be your first step when starting a new business. Hear from local entrepreneurs on how the Business Lab has helped them launch their successful ventures.

THE LATEST FROM THE BLOG

RESEARCH TOOLS

BUSINESS SOURCE COMPLETE

Full-text journals for business, including marketing, management, accounting, and economics, as well as detailed information on public and private companies.

FOUNDATION DIRECTORY PROFESSIONAL

A searchable directory of grantmakers, grants, and grant recipients by subjects and locations that can help nonprofits and government organizations find potential funding sources. Note: Only available on computers at Central Library.

GALE BUSINESS: DEMOGRAPHICS NOW

Searchable demographics and consumer and business statistics, with directory information and easy business startup reports.

GALE BUSINESS: ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Quickly access articles from a database of scholarly journals and other trusted periodicals. Best for academic research.

GALE BUSINESS: INSIGHTS

Research global companies and industries with in-depth analysis through current news, statistical data, and comprehensive reports.

GALE PRESENTS: UDEMY

Learn and improve skills across business, tech, design, and more. Includes 6,000+ on-demand video courses in multiple languages.

IBISWORLD

700+ detailed market and industry reports for the United States including SWOT analyses, financial ratios, and more. Note: Only available on computers at Central Library.

LEARNING EXPRESS

Find job search and workplace skills improvement; reading, writing, math, and basic science skill building; career certification and license exam prep; high school equivalency, college, and grad school entrance test prep. 

LEGAL GPS

Legal GPS is a gamified platform that helps new and existing businesses “do legal” without having to hire a lawyer.

LINKEDIN LEARNING

Choose from thousands of online courses to learn in-demand skills from real-world industry experts. Get started for free with your library card.

LIVEPLAN

LivePlan simplifies business planning, budgeting, forecasting, and performance tracking for small businesses and startups. Just fill in the answers presented and LivePlan does the heavy lifting for you.

PITCHBOOK

Research and analyze companies, deals, funds, investors and service providers across the entire private investment lifecycle.

RMA STATEMENT STUDIES

Access to financial benchmarking figures including standards for balance sheet and income statement line items, as well as numerous industry average ratios.

STATISTA

Statistics and market reports on over 80,000 topics arranged by business market sector. Note: Only available on computers at Central Library.

VALUE LINE LIBRARY RESEARCH CENTER

Value Line’s comprehensive research center not only evaluates U.S. stocks, this expanded version also features mutual funds, options, and weekly investment and economic reports.

WASHINGTON STATE LEGAL FORMS

Official Washington State and federal business, personal, real estate, and general legal forms.

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