Business Services
Your Library understands that the key to successful business management and healthy growth is convenient and swift access to the best resources. We provide reference services and library resources to help Charlotte-Mecklenburg area businesses succeed.
Resource Spotlight: SimplyAnalytics
SimplyAnalytics
SimplyAnalytics is a web-based mapping application that enables you to quickly create professional-quality thematic maps and reports using powerful demographic, business, and marketing data.
Upcoming Business Services Events
Does your business need:
- Lists of companies in your target market?
- Lists of competitors in your geographic area?
- Names of executives to contact?
- Demographic statistics, trends, and maps?
- Industry data from nearby and from around the world?
- Content for your webpage, tweets, or newsletter?
- Classes on using technology to increase productivity?
Your library has all this and more. Find more information in the Business Resources: Starting a Business LibGuide (coming soon!)
Additionally, your library has spaces to meet and work. Meet informally at one of the 20 locations across the county or rent a room for a larger meeting. Your local branch has all the basics - free wifi, Internet and computer access, and Microsoft Office products.
Not sure where to start? Ask to speak with a Librarian at one of our 20 libraries around Mecklenburg County.
Government Documents Resources
Statistics, reports, and other information published by the government, which can be found through through various websites, can be used to support your business research. GovInfo is a one-stop shop for accessing published, official U.S. Government information online. The Census Bureau provides demographic information to tell you more about potential customers and competitors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides information on employment, labor, and trends in over 100 industries. Below, we've highlighted some resources related to upcoming events.
Charlotte PRIDE is coming up! Check out the National Archives records on LGBTQIA+ Issues here: https://www.archives.gov/research/lgbt/lgbtqia. You can find the Library of Congress LGBTQIA+ research guides here: https://www.ala.org/sites/default/files/2024-05/Media-Lit_Arch_Prog-Guide.pdf.
September 17 is Constitution and Citizenship Day. Stop by a regional branch to pick up your Pocket Constitution or visit the National Archives online here: https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution. You can also find information through Congress.gov's Founding Documents page.
The general election is Tuesday, November 5, 2024. USA.gov's Voting and Elections page provides information about registering to vote; Election Day resources; election laws, results, process, and history; State & local Election Offices; and answers to some frequently asked questions. If you'd like to visit the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections page, visit: https://vote.mecknc.gov/.
November is Entrepreneurship Month. Check out USA.gov's page providing information on how to start and fund your own business. The page has links to the Small Business Administration's 10 Steps to Start Your Business guide, as well as a more detailed guide for starting a business.