Future business owners will learn the essentials for starting a new venture with two free classes taught by Brad Rickelman, Assistant Director of Meridian Technology’s Center for Business Development. On Thursday, Jan. 30, at 6 p.m., “Side-Hustles” will focus on starting a business while keeping a day job. Then, on Saturday, Feb. 8, at 1 p.m., “Starting a Business” will go more in-depth and cover topics like conducting market research, writing a thorough business plan and navigating financial estimates.
Both classes will take place at Meridian’s Center for Business Development, located at 1414 S. Sangre Road, in room 154. Brenna Gilchrist, adult services librarian, thinks this is a good opportunity for community members to see what the Center has to offer.
“We love partnering with Brad and hosting business classes at the library,” Gilchrist said. “But, with our meeting room building being out of commission while we replace our fire suppression system, we simply do not have the space right now to host medium and large-sized groups.”
Rickelman looks forward to hosting the classes at MTC this season and advising a new group of entrepreneurs in an increasingly fast-paced business market.
“From technology advancements to new strategies for customer service, marketing and management, there’s always new information to learn,” Rickelman said. “We want to guide people to valuable information they need to launch their businesses, trends they need to be aware of and where to find trusted resources.”
Gilchrist hopes that people think of the library when it comes to finding reliable information.
“We strive to have current business books,” Gilchrist said. “We also have several resources linked on our website on topics like health, job searching and business. We also have a business reference database.”
To access the library’s online business resources, visit stillwaterok.gov/Library, then navigate to the “Research” menu option, then “Research Topics,” where “Business” is listed as one of the categories. There are links to local resources, general information, statistics and finances.
The “Small Business Resource” is a database provided by Explora that contains numerous online books, business guides, management topics, industry information, tips for creating a business plan and more.
Meridian’s Center for Business also offers support for entrepreneurs and small businesses, including consulting and coaching, incubation and additional training. To see what they have to offer visit meridiantech.edu/bes.
Registration is requested for “Side-Hustles” and “Staring a Business.” Visit stillwaterok.gov/Library Register to sign up online, stop by or call the Help Desk at (405) 372-3633 x8106 or email askalibrarian@stillwaterok.gov.
For directions to the classroom, please contact the Meridian Technology Center for Business Development at (405) 473-7814.