May is National Small Business Month – a time to recognize the entrepreneurs and small business owners who drive the local economy, and to highlight some of the resources that help them thrive.
One such resource – and one that’s supported by Foundation members and the generosity of the public – is the Business Resource and Innovation Center (BRIC) at the Free Library of Philadelphia.
What Is BRIC?
The Business Resource and Innovation Center is more than just a library department, it’s a dynamic hub for business development and innovation. Spread across 41,000 square feet of curated space on the ground floor of Parkway Central Library, BRIC is part co-working space, part research library and part free business services center.
Designed to support small business owners, nonprofit leaders, and aspiring entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey, BRIC’s mission is to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions and achieve their goals.
So, whether you’re launching a startup, expanding an existing business, or exploring nonprofit ventures, the staff at BRIC are there to help you succeed!
Services and Resources at BRIC
- Personalized Business Assistance: Take advantage of one-on-one appointments with knowledgeable staffers who can guide you through various aspects of business planning. From market research to crafting business plans, and much, much more, these personalized sessions are great opportunity for entrepreneurs to get free, targeted, advice and insight.
- Access to Specialized Databases: Your Free Library card gets you access to an enormous range of specialized databases, through BRIC. Whether you’re looking for industry reports, investment analyses, corporate histories, or almost anything else, these databases are essential tools for making good business decisions.
- Workshops and Events: All year long, BRIC hosts workshops and events to expand your business skills and knowledge. For instance, the recently hosted award-winning inventor Andrea Rose for the “Inventing to Win®” workshop, where she was able to provide practical insights into the innovation process.
- Support for Nonprofits: Nonprofits can also benefit from BRIC’s resources, including access to the Foundation Directory (at comprehensive database of U.S. grantmakers and grants).
- Intellectual Property Guidance: BRIC has been designated as a Patent & Trademark Resource Center by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. That means it is ready and able to assist inventors and small businesses in protecting their intellectual property, and can offer guidance on patents and trademarks.
The Need for BRIC
In a city as vibrant and diverse as Philadelphia, small businesses are the backbone of the business community. BRIC plays a pivotal role in nurturing this community by making high-quality resources accessible to everyone and helping to level the playing field for entrepreneurs. From seasoned business owner to those starting to wonder if their side-hustle could become their main gig, BRIC’s services and support can help navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
How to Get Started
If you, or someone you know, could use the resources BRIC has to offer, pay them a visit them on the ground floor of Parkway Central Library at 1901 Vine Street. Once there you can explore their programs and schedule appointments.
Don’t forget to bring your Free Library card to access their extensive range of services – and Happy National Small Business Month!
More Info
Check out our post, Resources For Small Business Owners And Job Seekers At The Free Library Of Philadelphia, for more information.
Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, and remember—when you donate to the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation, your support directly benefits Philadelphia’s public library system, enriching lives and inspiring change in every neighborhood.