Small Business & Nonprofit Resource Center

All Library locations will be closed on Sunday, May 25 and Monday, May 26, Memorial Day.

The Small Business & Nonprofit Resource Center at the Akron-Summit County Public Library provides entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations with the information, resources, and referrals necessary to reach their goals.

Located on the first floor of Main Library, the Small Business and Nonprofit Resource Center offers custom programming for entrepreneurs and nonprofits; a free coworking space; and a dedicated Small Business & Nonprofit Resource Librarian.

individualized training on library resources
access to in-depth information and research for starting or growing a nonprofit or for-profit organization
access to a comprehensive network of local entrepreneurial support via referrals from our Small Business and Nonprofit Resources Librarian

Apply below for a free membership which grants you access to:

free co-working space
Notice of upcoming events for entrepreneurs and nonprofits

Small Business & Nonprofit Class Schedule

Business Resources

Databases

AtoZ Databases

AtoZ Databases contains financial information on over 30 million U.S. businesses & executives as well as addresses and phone numbers of over 220 million U.S. residents.

Business Source Premier

This source provides the full text for more than 8,800 business and academic serials back to the 1880’s.

IBISWorld

(USE IN MAIN LIBRARY ONLY)
A full-text database of U.S. and Global industry market research reports including specialized industries for small business research.

Small Business Source

Small Business Source offers exclusive full text for many top consumer small business reference books, as well as tools to address many small business topics. It includes business videos, a help and advice section and details on how to create business plans.

SizeUp

SizeUp helps private sector, government, and non-profit organizations better serve their small business customers with the market research and business intelligence they need to succeed. Data is focused on the Akron and Summit County area.

Local Resources

Nonprofit Resources

Candid

The Akron-Summit County Public Library is a Community Partner of Candid. Through Candid’s Funding Information Network, the Main Library is able to provide free access to valuable Candid databases and essential reference directories and resources that can help you:

Research potential funders
Prepare grant proposals
Start a nonprofit
Organize fundraisers
Obtain IRS 990's
Explore topics related to philanthropy

Databases

Candid How do I Start a Nonprofit Organization?

Basic step-by-step instruction on starting a nonprofit.

Candid Learning

Free on-demand training for all nonprofit skill levels.

Candid Nonprofit Start-Up Assessment

Explore your preparedness in starting a nonprofit.

Foundation Directory

(USE IN MAIN LIBRARY ONLY)
Directory grant making foundations. It can be used to research prospective foundations and to tailor your grant application to the interests and mission of the specific grant making organization.

Guidestar

(USE IN MAIN LIBRARY ONLY)
Provides information on programs and finances of charities and nonprofits, news about philanthropy, and resources for donors and volunteers. Search by name, keyword, city or state and nonprofit type.

Other Nonprofit Resources

Videos

Our Mission: The Akron-Summit County Public Library provides resources for learning and leisure, information services, meeting spaces, and programs for all ages that support, improve, and enrich individual, family, and community life.