Small Business Support

About the Program

Category: Libraries (Best in Category)

Year: 2021

Nine months into the COVID-19 pandemic, the Union County Public Library recognized the ongoing challenges for local businesses. While public health officials had identified and promoted the protocols to make in-person shopping safe (wait six feet apart, wash hands frequently, wear a mask), many consumers remained hesitant to resume their customary business habits. Rather than frequent the local stores where they traditionally shopped, consumers had turned to online ordering to meet both basic needs and to indulge in the retail therapy of splurge spending. The library saw an opportunity to help local business owners reinvigorate their sales. The library applied for and was awarded a grant with the Grow with Google program. That grant helped enable the library to implement a two-pronged approach to help local business owners generate additional foot traffic with a business passport program, while also bolstering their online presence.