Libraries as Launchpads

Libraries are uniquely positioned to support entrepreneur. They are trusted sources of information, they knock down barriers to create more a equitable society, and they work to fill gaps in resource available in their communities. Libraries as Launchpads is an initiative of Creative Startups, a 501c3 not-for-profit organization with the mission to support creative entrepreneurs and grow the creative economy. The initiative takes a community-based approach to ecosystems development by growing local capacity to support small creative businesses and aspiring creative entrepreneurs. Our methodology utilizes the existing assets and unique qualities of libraries to support communities in their efforts to foster the creative economy, create a unique sense of place, and encourage local business development. Libraries as Launchpads aims to: Equip librarians and transform libraries into accessible hubs for creative entrepreneurs their local communities; Support equity and inclusion in local entrepreneurship ecosystems; Advocate for the multifaceted value libraries provide their communities. We do this through a series of trainings and support to librarians and the library workforce that builds their capacity as entrepreneurship resource experts and equips them with the tools they need to host programming that reaches underserved entrepreneurs in their communities. Through our initiative, libraries across the US have developed the knowledge and connections to become entrepreneurial resource experts while gaining the ability and confidence to support entrepreneurs in their communities.