BSI
Schedule a One-on-One Session with a Librarian!
 
Whether you are running a successful company, thinking of growing your business, or just planning your first venture, start here! The Business Resource & Innovation Center is excited to offer one-on-one sessions with a librarian. We can provide individual training on our databases with regard to market research, target demographics, competitors, and general business planning. We also offer sessions on patent and trademark research and Get Your Business Online with Google. Appointments are generally 45 minutes to one hour in length. 

Schedule your appointment today by completing this form or emailing [email protected].
Philly Tech Week 2016

Philly Tech Week 2016, presented by Comcast, is Technical.ly Philly's sixth annual week-long celebration of technology and innovation happening April 29 - May 7. Engage with Philly Tech Week by using the hashtag #PTW16.

Check out the Philly Tech Week programs we are hosting below! Click here to explore the other great programs happening this week as part of PTW16. 


Philly Tech Week 2016!

Tao of Content Marketing
Thursday, May 5, 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Parkway Central Library, Skyline Room (Fourth Floor)
1901 Vine Street, 19103

The Tao of Content Marketing is a seminar that explores a new customer-driven approach to marketing rooted in Taoist philosophies that are thousands of years old. Learn strategic approaches to digital engagement including search, social media, and content marketing that will draw your best audiences to you, build trust and credibility, and develop new customer relationships that last.

Specific topics include:
  • Is traditional advertising dead?
  • Organic vs. paid search marketing
  • The role of social media in your marketing mix
  • Content: the "critical other half" of successful digital engagement
This event is presented by Greg Ippolito and Bob Clements, founders of IMA. 

Dock Street Brewery will co-sponsor the event, and provide attendees with complimentary, custom-brewed beers (to be selected).

Click here to register or call 215-686-5394.

This program is presented as part of PTW16.
Learn About the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Marketplace!
Monday, May 16, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Parkway Central Library, Room 108 (past HOME Page Cafe) 
1901 Vine Street, 19103
 
Learn about the benefits of providing health insurance to your employees. There will be time to meet professionals who can help you determine what works for your business, ask questions, and network. Plus, there will be a live Q&A with an enrollment specialist.

This program is presented in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration Eastern Pennsylvania District Office

Click here to register.
All About Patents
Monday, May 16, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Parkway Central Library, Skyline Room (Fourth Floor)
1901 Vine Street, 19103
 
Are you interested in applying for a patent?
Do you know the difference between a utility and a design patent?
Want to know more about patents?
 
Join us to find out about:
  • Utility patents and their application process (provisional and non-provisional patent applications)
  • Design patents & their application process
  • Patent terms, forms, fees and what to expect when working with the United States Patent & Trademark Office to obtain a patent
Speaker Elizabeth Dougherty, J.D. is the Director of Inventor Education, Outreach, and Recognition in the Office of Innovation Development at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Elizabeth received a bachelor's degree in physics from the Catholic University of America in 1991 and a juris doctorate from the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America in 1996. 
 
Click here to register.
A Social Entrepreneur's Guide to Business Formation
Tuesday, May 17, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Parkway Central Library,
Skyline Room (Fourth Floor)
1901 Vine Street, 19103
 
This program will examine the range of options available to individuals with innovative solutions to today's major social issues, from Benefit Corporations and L3Cs, to 501(c)(3) organizations, for-profit corporations, and LLCs. You will learn the basics of forming and running a new business or nonprofit, and choose the type of entity that is the best match for your idea.

Presented by Heather Dietrich Batzel, founder Batzel Law PLLC and Benjamin Takisfounding attorney of Tax-Exempt Solutions, PLLC in partnership with the Regional Foundation Center.

Click here to register.
Display & Sell Your Work: For Independent Craft Makers 
Tuesday, May 24, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Parkway Central Library, Skyline Room (Fourth Floor)
1901 Vine Street, 19103

This program is designed to show independent makers how to create engaging visual displays that will that will increase traffic and sales. You'll hear about the best practices and most cost-effective merchandising strategies for displays and for booths that sell.  

ONO- made in the 191 fosters the emerging and established local craft maker and seller community to facilitate a strong, sustainable and successful regional creative economy.

Anne Cecil, founder of ONO - made in the 191, has over 30 years of professional experience in retail merchandising & management, product design & making, coaching & training, public speaking, consulting, and art/design education.


Click here to register or call 215-686-5394.
Introduction to Business Research 
Wednesday, May 25, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Parkway Central Library, Business Resource & Innovation Center (previously Business, Science & Industry Department)
1901 Vine Street, 19103
 
Are you thinking of starting a small business? Start here.  
 
This hands-on 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 be 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. 
 
There are 11 PCs available on a first come, first served basis. Feel free to bring your fully charged laptop. Charging space is limited. 
 
Registration is not required, but space is limited. Call 215-686-5394 for more information. 
Introduction to Entrepreneurship 
May 24, 25, 26, 26, 31, and June 1, 2, 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
University of the Arts,  Room 511/13
211 South Broad Street, 19102

Admission is free. Application required and must be submitted by Tuesday, May 105:00 p.mApply here
 
What does it take to start and sustain a business?
 
The Corzo Center for the Creative Economy at the University of the Arts, with the Free Library of Philadelphia's Business, Science and Industry Department presents an interactive, two-week course designed for artists, makers, performers, and videographers.

Participants must plan to attend all classes.
 
The program introduces the principles of entrepreneurship--how to plan, budget, market, identify and attract customers, and manage finances.
 
Free consulting and opportunities for competitively awarded grants are available upon completion of the program. More details are available here.

Made possible through the generous support of the Knight Foundation and supported by the City of Philadelphia's Office of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy and StartUp PHL

Presented by the Corzo Center for the Creative Economy at the University of the Arts with the Free Library of Philadelphia's Business, Science and Industry Department.
   
Of interest!

Daniel Shapiro
| Negotiating
 the Nonnegotiable: How to Resolve Your Most Emotionally Charged Conflicts 
Thursday, May 5
Continental breakfast at 7:30 a.m., lecture at 8:00 a.m.
Parkway Central Library
1901 Vine Street, 19103

$35 General Admission (includes copy of book)
Buy tickets online

Join us for a conversation with the founder and director of the Harvard International Negotiation Program, Daniel Shapiro. Tickets include a book and continental breakfast at Parkway Central Library.

Daniel Shapiro is one of the world's leading experts on negotiation and conflict resolution. Drawing on extensive research, global fieldwork, and even his experiences with his toughest opponents-his young sons-Shapiro's new book presents a method to reconcile life's most contentious and impassioned battles.

For more information, call the Author Events Office at 215-567-4341 or email [email protected].
Of interest!

Do You Dream About Starting a Business?
Saturday, May 14, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Northeast Regional Library
2228 Cottman Avenue, 19149
 
You are not alone - millions of Americans share the dream of starting a business. This interactive seminar will introduce the key information you need to be considering as you turn your dream into a reality.

Topics to be covered include:
  • Myths and realities of entrepreneurship
  • Do you have what it takes?
  • Know your options (different types of businesses)
  • Business plan basics
  • Components of business ownership
This workshop is a solid first step and will help you understand what is involved in starting and running a business.
 
Presented by Eileen Gasden, Vice President, SCORE Philadelphia.
 
This event is free and no registration is required.

For more information call 215-685-0522.
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