BSI
Rescheduled! 

 

Using Census Data for Business

Tuesday, February 24th, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Parkway Central Library, Room 108

1901 Vine Street, 19103

Program highlights include:  

  • How to use census data to develop the demographic portion of a business plan, choose a location for a business and measure business competition
  • The differences between Decennial Census Data and the American Community Survey
  • Other types of business data such as County/Zip Code Business Patterns
  • How to maneuver within the Census.gov and American Fact Finder websites to access Census data 

Attendees are invited to follow along on their laptop provided they have a library card and pin number prior to the event. Please note, power sources and technical support will NOT be provided.

 

The speaker is Noemi Mendez. She has been an Information Services Specialist at the United States Census Bureau's Philadelphia Regional Office since 2005.

 

Click here to register or call 215-686-5394 for more information. 

Introduction to Business Research 

Wednesday, February 25th, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Parkway Central Library, Ground Floor Tech Lab

1901 Vine Street, 19103

Are you thinking of starting a small business? Start here.

 

This interactive class is an introduction to business resources and research at the Free Library.

 

We will discuss:

  • Introduction to small business books and databases
  • The importance of NAICS / SIC and how to find the number that applies to your business
  • Pennsylvania/Philadelphia business resources 
  • Other local resources
  • There will time at the end of the program to familiarize yourself with the print and online resources.  

A Free Library card and basic computer skills are a prerequisite. 

 

Space is limited to 12 people per class. Tickets are available 30 minutes before class begins in the lobby of the library.You must show your Free Library card in order to receive a ticket.

 

Call 215-686-5394 for more information. 

Of Interest!

 

Stay Tuned: Big Announcement Next Month

 

We are excited about this one! Be sure to check back next month for a big programming announcement. 

 

Hint: The event brings together major Philadelphia organizations for an entire week each spring.  

Business Structures: Sole Proprietorship, Corporation, Partnership, Limited Liability

 

The business structure you choose will have tax and legal implications for years. Learn about the different structures and decide which works best for you.

 

Sole Proprietorship

"A sole proprietorship is the simplest and most common structure chosen to start a business. It is an unincorporated business owned and run by one individual with no distinction between the business and you, the owner. You are entitled to all profits and are responsible for all your business's debts, losses and liabilities."

Becoming a Sole Proprietor in Pennsylvania

 

Limited Liability Company

"A limited liability company is a hybrid type of legal structure that provides the limited liability features of a corporation and the tax efficiencies and operational flexibility of a partnership. Unlike shareholders in a corporation, LLCs are not taxed as a separate business entity. LLC members report profits and losses on their personal federal tax returns, just like the owners of a partnership would."

Forming an LLC in Pennsylvania

 

Corporation

"A corporation is an independent legal entity owned by shareholders. This means that the corporation itself, not the shareholders that own it, is held legally liable for the actions and debts the business incurs. Corporations are more complex than other business structures because they tend to have costly administrative fees and complex tax and legal requirements. Because of these issues, corporations are generally suggested for established, larger companies with multiple employees. For businesses in that position, corporations offer the ability to sell ownership shares in the business through stock offerings."

Forming a Corporation in Pennsylvania

 

Partnership

"A partnership is a single business where two or more people share ownership. Each partner contributes to all aspects of the business, including money, property, labor or skill. In return, each partner shares in the profits and losses of the business. Because partnerships entail more than one person in the decision-making process, it's important to discuss a wide variety of issues up front and develop a legal partnership agreement. Although partnership agreements are not legally required, they are strongly recommended and it is considered extremely risky to operate without one."

Forming a Partnership in Pennsylvania

 

Other legal resources on business structure include:

 

Nolo and PA Biz Online

 

The Small Business Start-Up Kit by Peri Pakroo

 

The Legal Guide for Starting & Running a Small Business by Fred Steingold, Mary Randolph, and Ralph E. Warner

 

How to Start a Business in Pennsylvania by Jere L. Calmes and Entrepreneur Media, Inc. 

 

For more information contact the Business, Science and Industry Department!

 

215-686-5394

[email protected]

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