BIZ: THE BELLFLOWER 'BUSINESS INCUBATION ZONE'

About the Program

Category: Libraries (Best in Category)

Year: 2016

The city of Bellflower has faced many financial challenges in the past few years. The city relies on its sales tax for much of its revenue, yet businesses in the city have been closing at a rapid rate. The city has conducted many surveys and has enacted methods for making Bellflower a business-friendly city. The Clifton M. Brakensiek Library, located in Bellflower, saw this unfortunate trend and sought to assist. Through grant funding and in-kind contributions, the library staff launched the “BIZ: The Bellflower ‘Business Incubation Zone’” by repurposing a staff office into a conference room for the use of business owners who needed a private and equipped space to meet with potential clients. They also partnered with various community agencies and offered an extremely successful 5-week seminar series including such topics as startup, operations, marketing and funding. Additionally, they “bundled” a number of premium databases to teach customers how to access information to ensure business success. The result has been excellent; the library is seen as responsive to community needs, the city is pleased with the library’s compassion and commitment to the success of its residents, and the program will continue and be replicated in other libraries. The library is truly business friendly!