Broward County Libraries Mean Business

About the Program

Category: Libraries (Best in Category)

Year: 2016

In 2014, Broward County Libraries created a year-long event series and public information campaign, “Broward County Libraries Mean Business.” This was in response to/in support of a countywide initiative from then-Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief, "Broward Means Business," which promoted county, state and federal programs that help mentor and finance Broward County businesses. “Broward County Libraries Mean Business” presented a wide range of free resources to small businesses and entrepreneurs that were designed to assist, support and contribute to Broward’s business community. This ranged from a brick-and-mortar Small Business Resource Center located at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) to online resources, classes/workshops and even videos that could be accessed online. At the Small Business Resource Center, Broward County’s Office of Economic and Small Business Development has provided dynamic training, conferences and workshops and held many other events there. “Broward County Libraries Mean Business” was promoted to the public using a variety of methods including through the media, online, through the Libraries’ website and through printed promotional material. “Broward County Libraries Mean Business” won the 2015 Florida Library Association’s Libraries Mean Business Award, given for noteworthy service for a program which supports one or more aspects of workforce development, small business support, community development and employment. It was also named one of the Urban Libraries Councils 2014 E Innovations Initiatives in the Economic and Workforce Development category.