Free Workshops for Aspiring Entrepreneurs at the Indianapolis Public Library

If you’re an ambitious entrepreneur with a promising idea for a small business, look no further! The Indianapolis Public Library is excited to announce a series of free workshops designed specifically for entrepreneurs. These valuable sessions will commence on September 8 and run through September 30, offering crucial guidance for both new and seasoned business owners alike.

This workshop series comprises nine engaging sessions covering essential topics such as reaching your target customers, navigating the legal landscape of starting a business, and mastering financial statements. Importantly, each session is open to the public, allowing everyone the chance to participate and learn.

Don’t worry if you can’t make it to all the sessions; you have the flexibility to choose which topics resonate with you the most. While walk-ins are always welcome, registering in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot. All the events will take place at the Central Library, located at 40 E. St Clair St.

Detailed Overview of the Small Business Workshop Sessions

Aprovechando las Redes Sociales para el Crecimiento Empresarial/Leveraging Social Media for Business Growth

6-7:30 p.m., Sept. 8
Presented by Alex Balbuena, Latinos Indy Media. This program will be delivered in Spanish.

In this session, you will discover how to effectively showcase your brand and engage with potential clients, helping you expand your reach and solidify your customer base.

The legal Aspects of Starting a Small Business

6-7:30 p.m., Sept. 9
Led by attorney Zachary Lange.

During this informative workshop, Lange will guide you through various legal structures that your business can adopt, such as LLCs or sole proprietorships, ensuring you are well-equipped to choose the right one for your needs.

Más crecimiento, menos estrés: Impulsa tu negocio con el poder de la Inteligencia Artificial/Boost your Business with Artificial Intelligence

6-7:30 p.m., Sept. 15
Facilitated by IK Sotomayor of JP The Geek and Indy Chamber’s Hispanic Business Council. Presented in Spanish.

In this session, you will learn how to harness AI tools to automate repetitive tasks, streamline hiring processes, manage your team, and delegate work more efficiently—greatly enhancing your business operations.

Don’t Fear the Spreadsheet: Small Biz Setup, Financial Statements & Reporting Requirements

6-7:30 p.m., Sept. 16
Presented by Hassan Khan, CPA.

This session delves into financial statements, teaching you how to analyze and interpret this critical information to make informed financial decisions for your business.

Small Business and Intellectual Property legal Clinic

4-6 p.m., Sept. 22
Provided by members of the Indy Bar Association’s Intellectual Property Section and Business Law Section.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage in 15-minute, one-on-one sessions with an attorney, addressing various legal queries related to small businesses and intellectual property.

Protecting Your Business: An Intellectual Property Masterclass for Entrepreneurs

6-7:30 p.m., Sept. 22
Conducted by attorneys Matt Metzger and Garrett Hutchinson.

Gain insights into how to protect your business through the use of patents, trademarks, and trade secrets, fundamental tools for safeguarding your intellectual assets.

Financing Your Small Business: How to Access Loans through CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution)

6-7:30 p.m., Sept. 23
Presented by Agnes Theodossiou, Indy Chamber’s Business Ownership Initiative.

Learn about the different types of loans offered by the Indy Chamber and receive step-by-step guidance on how to successfully apply for funding.

Start Strong: Indiana Business Taxes

6-7:30 p.m., Sept. 29
Led by Nancy Tyree, Indiana Department of Revenue.

This workshop will clarify the various taxes that businesses must navigate and provide instructions on filing your business taxes accurately and efficiently.

Reach Your Target Customer: Creating a Marketing Plan for Your Business

6-7:30 p.m., Sept. 30
Presented by Ashley Martin of Cerulean Consulting Group.

In this marketing-focused session, Martin will help you identify your target audience and determine the most effective platforms to reach them, maximizing your business’s marketing efforts.

Access Free Assistance from Expert Business Librarians

In addition to the workshops, the Indianapolis Public Library offers complimentary one-on-one consultations with expert business librarians. These knowledgeable librarians can provide tailored assistance to aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Each librarian has his or her area of expertise, with Jim Mladenovic specializing in small business support, Ryan Donnelly focusing on patents and trademarks, and other librarians available to assist with nonprofit-related queries.

What to Anticipate During Your Meeting with a Business Librarian

Mladenovic typically spends around 50 minutes with each entrepreneur, covering 12 to 15 topics relevant to your business questions. He takes diligent notes and compiles a rich list of resources for you to utilize.

How to Schedule Your One-on-One Session

To book a session, simply walk into the library and request information about starting a business, or you can directly contact Mladenovic or Donnelly. Their dedicated email addresses are available for your convenience.

Enhance Your legal Understanding with AI legalese decoder

In navigating the complexities of starting a business, understanding legal documents can be daunting. This is where the AI legalese decoder comes in. This innovative tool can help demystify complicated legal language, translating it into clear and comprehensible terms, making it easier for you to understand contracts, agreements, and other legal materials.

By utilizing AI legalese decoder, entrepreneurs can ensure that they comprehend their legal options fully, empowering them to make informed decisions. This capability is particularly beneficial for small business owners who may not have extensive legal backgrounds. With clarity on legal matters, you can focus more on growing your business and reaching your goals.