Wyoming Library to Business (WL2B) is a state-wide initiative to support library to business outreach in any of the 23 county public library systems.
The purpose of WL2B is to connect Wyomingites with the resources they need to start, pivot, or grow their small businesses. WL2B will work across the state to support libraries in providing services that foster the entrepreneurial ecosystem and help future business owners gain access to the information, organizations, and funding that will assist them in making their plans viable. WL2B focuses on assisting women-owned, traditionally underserved, and rural businesses through:
- Curation of current Wyoming small business resources.
- Creation of the Wyoming Library to Business Network, a peer-to-peer librarian group dedicated to connecting communities with Wyoming business experts and programs.
- Expanding partnerships with local, state, and national economic development organizations.
- Leveraging partnerships and funding, to work in tandem to provide technology for public libraries to empower their local small businesses and entrepreneurs.
This program is designed to complement and leverage services provided by the national, state, and local economic development organizations. In Wyoming, the presence of a public library in each county makes for a strong delivery system.
Business Resources
The curation of business resources available in Wyoming, including specialized databases, are easily accessed with any Wyoming library card. Utilizing the Wyoming State Library’s GoWYLD.net platform combines ease of access with library expertise. Databases such as LinkedIn Learning – a leading online learning platform that helps anyone learn business, software, technology and creative skills to achieve personal and professional goals – and GALE Business: Plan Builder – an engaging, step-by-step guided experience, where an intuitive dashboard walks users through the five essential steps of business planning – provide quality training.
Video Production Studios
Modeled after Penn State’s One Button Studio and simplified by Steve Boss, UW Librarian, each of the video production spaces are used to:
- Perfect an entrepreneurial pitch
- Add green screen graphics for a fun social media ad
- Create a vlog or podcast
- Demonstrate a product
- Show how a business is responsive to community needs
Plus many more applications in education and philanthropy!
Business Stations
Dedicated portable stations with webcam-enabled laptop so entrepreneurs and small business owners can meet virtually with experts from across the state. Includes a portable projector so libraries can take full advantage of the online programs and webinars produced by the SBDC Network, the Wyoming Women’s Business Center, and other economic development organizations.
Wyoming Library to Business Network
The Wyoming Library to Business Network is a peer-to-peer librarian group dedicated to assisting Wyoming business communities, encouraging entrepreneurs, and providing reliable, relevant information on Wyoming business experts and programs. The network shares resources, troubleshoots challenges and obstacles, and communicates new business offerings in the state.
Wyoming Library to Business began in 2020 after the Laramie County Library System received a grant from the American Library Association’s Libraries Build Business national initiative. WL2B partners with the Wyoming State Library and the Laramie County Library System and solely utilizes grant funding to maintain the network and equipment.
Why public libraries?
“Libraries have always provided resources and research for small businesses and entrepreneurs. This program enhances those services by connecting patrons with business specialists outside of the library. I’m excited to see how these efforts and partnerships will help grow Wyoming small businesses.”
— Jamie Markus, Wyoming State Librarian
“The WWBC is incredibly grateful to the Wyoming Library to Business program as it is helping us reach potential entrepreneurs that may lack access to technology. We believe business ownership is about more than jobs, growth, and profits. It’s about freedom, options, and security. It is about celebrating human potential. Entrepreneurship provides the opportunity to dream big and become engaged, local leaders in pursuit of a healthy, thriving economy.”
— Wendy Fanning, Executive Director, Wyoming Women’s Business Center
“SCORE mentors recommend the L2B program to clients that are just thinking of starting a business as well as entrepreneurs who are expanding by adding services or employees. The L2B program provides reference materials for new and growing entrepreneurs who are looking for help with feasibility studies, licensing and permitting questions, market studies and so much more. Accessing the L2B program statewide is vital to our entrepreneurs. So much can be done on-line or virtual and saves miles on the road for our clients.”
— Merrie Elsberry, Former Cheyenne SCORE Mentor
Why videos?
“For a small business, videos can convey far more than just words on a page or an image. A video can build trust and can be the first step in establishing a business relationship. Entrepreneurs know video is a valuable tool, but the production can be intimidating. I’m so excited small businesses will have access to a professional video production studio inside their local community library. The opportunities for creativity and high-quality video content are endless. I can’t wait to refer our women-owned business owners to their local library to start recording!”
— Christine Langley, Business Counselor & COVID-19 Director, Wyoming Women’s Business Center
Wyoming Library to Business is here to make it happen.
Ask about the FREE resources available at your local library!