Business Resources
Free tools for your business
We offer many information tools that will help you succeed in business. If you aren’t sure where to begin, make an appointment with a business librarian who will show you how to use the most relevant tools.
Start your business
Create a business plan
A business plan will help you convince people or lending institutions that investing in your business is a good idea. These guides can help get you started and many provide helpful examples.
Practical Startup Guides
Are you thinking of starting your own business but want to understand what is involved?
Tools to start your business
Business information tools available at The Seattle Public Library and the web that will help you start your business.
Grow your business
Business Assistance Organizations
Organization and government agencies assisting small businesses with 1:1 counseling, training, technical assistance and finding funding.
Crowdfunding
Many people are exploring crowdfunding as a means of financing a business idea. Here's a list of resources to help you understand what it is and how it works.
Funding a Business
Businesses are financed in a variety of ways. Below we highlight a number of common ways people fund their startup with some definitions.
Inspirational Business Guides
Need a little inspiration? These books provide methods and formulas for business success.
Tools to grow your business
Business information databases available at The Seattle Public Library that will help you grow your business.
Find your niche
Franchising
Franchising
Tools for education entrepreneurs
A starting place where one might find ideas, identify trends, or discover statistics to help assess the viability of an education business idea.
Resources by format
Business Books
Business books in our catalog
Business magazines in print at the Central Library
Business magazines in print at the Central Library
Business newspapers in print at the Central Library
Business newspapers in print at the Central Library
Library to Business Podcasts
Listen to recordings of small business workshops presented in multiple languages.