There’s nothing such as a global pandemic to make working folks examine how they feel about their employment position. Some took this opportunity to leave the workforce and start new business ventures, their passion, Many others were forced to find work for themselves due to layoffs. In 2021, the Census Bureau reported that more than 1.4 million applications were filed to form new businesses and this trend is likely to continue this year. New and prospective small business owners face even more ongoing challenges that are constantly changing. To help those in need, the Aurora Public Library District (APLD) will be host to a virtual workshop at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 15 entitled, Breaking Down Barriers to Business Ownership.
If you are a business owner in our diverse community and are looking for resources to help you evaluate your business ideas, work on your business plans, and identify funding opportunities, but don’t know where to start, we’re here to help! APLD’s business librarian, Drea Flores, said, “I try to connect people to resources and business mentors to help get the answers they need to make informed decisions when starting their businesses.”
Flores reached out to Harriet Parker, manager of the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC), to collaborate on a small business workshop to help new and aspiring entrepreneurs evaluate their business options and identify the risks involved.
Parker contacted Aisha McBurrows and Abigail Scanlan with the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) in Aurora, who will present on what businesses need to know about money and share tips on forming and registering a business. These experts will teach participants how to define their personal barriers, assess strengths and weaknesses, and identify the ideal customers for their business. When the motivation behind your business is clear and you know what resources are available, you minimize the potential risks.
Our business librarian, Drea Flores, has informative resources for entrepreneurs to grow a sustainable business that fuels economic growth in the community. Participants who attend this workshop will learn how to navigate the path to owning and running a new business and the decisions they need to make along the way. They will leave feeling more prepared to face any obstacles that may arise and take the next steps toward successful business ownership. To attend the virtual workshop, Breaking Down Barriers to Business Ownership, at 6:30 p.m., March 15, please register on our website at aurorapubliclibrary.org/events or call 630-264-4117.
Andrea Tiberi is the communications coordinator for the Aurora Public Library District.