Chesterfield Libraries Helping Small Businesses Succeed

Small business in America makes a substantial contribution to our local and national economy. Entrepreneur Magazine indicates that there are between 25 and 27 million small businesses in the U.S. today. Small businesses, classified as 500 or fewer employees, may be small in comparison to large corporations, but their impact is big. According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses today:

  • account for 54% of U.S. sales
  • provide 55% of all jobs and 64% of new jobs
  • pay 44% of the total U.S. private payroll
  • occupy 30-50% of all commercial space, an estimated 20-34 billion square feet
  • are trusted by 86% of Americans who believe they are “a great deal”

Over the past 25 years, small businesses have added 8 million new jobs, while big businesses have eliminated 4 million jobs. Small businesses bring growth and innovation; help large corporations through outsourcing; respond and adapt quickly to changes in economic climates; stay afloat during tough times and contribute revenue directly to the local community. This revenue supports libraries, schools, parks, public safety, etc., and leads to healthier, more stable communities.

Small-Business-Center-Meadowbrook-Library

To help small businesses in Chesterfield County, Meadowdale Library features a Small Business Resource Center, operated by CCPL in conjunction with the county department of Economic Development. This service has allowed us to help hundreds of local residents develop and manage a wide variety of small business interests. The Small Business Resource Center offers professional researchers, a wide variety of research resources and meeting rooms with office tools. The success of the Meadowdale business center has inspired us to plan for small business centers to be added at other libraries in the coming year.

CCPL can help you in any quest to transform information into usable knowledge. Whether you are starting a business, growing your business, or increasing your skills and knowledge, we are here for you. We look forward to seeing you in one of our libraries and helping you take learning to the next level.

You can learn more by visiting the library website.

– Article contributed by Mike Mabe, Director of Chesterfield County Public Libraries