The Library Contributes to Inclusive Economic Development

  • By Baltimore County Public Library

The International Economic Development Council recognizes May 6 through 10 as Economic Development Week, a time to highlight programs, best practices and exceptional individuals that positively impact the economy in communities. Our year-round goal for all Baltimore County residents is to make them feel like a part of the local economy as employees, consumers and business owners. We aim to do this by building connections between residents while providing skill-building opportunities, business resources and a robust collection related to the economy.

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Promoting Inclusive Workforce Development

A major component of economic inclusion is skills. The workforce is changing rapidly and many jobs of the past are being replaced by technology. To stay on top of this transition, all are encouraged to continue developing skills to stay relevant in a rapidly-changing work environment. You can access skill-building tools with your Baltimore County Public Library card.

  • LinkedIn Learning is a self-paced online learning platform with thousands of videos created by industry experts. The videos are organized in three categories: business, creative and technology. You can learn about web design and development, video editing, coding languages, project management and more. 
  • Cisco Networking Academy offers an online learning experience that includes curriculum, case studies, games and simulations that offer content in a number of different technology-related fields, including: Introduction to Cybersecurity, Cybersecurity Essentials, JavaScript Essentials and Programming Essentials in Python.
  • Northstar Digital Literacy modules provide technology basics to help build confidence using it in your daily life, for personal use, education and employment opportunities. 

Digital Inclusion

The internet is important in nearly all facets of life—work, entertainment, research, staying connected with friends and family, paying bills, shopping and more. Having the skills to use technology is important, but what’s even more important is actually having a computer and Wi-Fi to apply these skills. In addition to our branches having computers, Wi-Fi, printers and scanners for public use, you can also borrow a laptop and hotspot to use in the comfort of your own home. These items are part of our Library of Things. 

A Long-Term Device Lending program is also available. Eligible families can borrow either a Wi-Fi-enabled Chromebook, high-speed 5G LTE internet router or both for up to six months. This program is designed to reach adult customers who have unmet digital connectivity to help close the digital divide in Baltimore County. 

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Building Your Small Business

Whether you want to make your business idea a reality or take your entrepreneurship to the next level, we are ready to help. Each fall, the library offers a seven-week Entrepreneur Academy, to help participants build the knowledge and confidence to get their ideas off the ground through the following topics:

  • Business strategies
  • Business taxes and finance
  • Creating a business plan
  • Marketing
  • Market research

This course is also offered completely in Spanish—Academia de emprendedores—that is available in the winter. There are additional business classes offered throughout the year (both in-person and virtual) that cover an extensive variety of topics, like:

  • Digital marketing
  • Entrepreneurial mindset
  • Funding opportunities
  • How to start a nonprofit
  • SBA certifications

Check out our monthly events to find one that fits your needs.

Year-Round Commitment

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Throughout the year, we offer virtual resource fairs to connect entrepreneurs with different forms of local support. 

  • Quarterly networking events—To connect business owners with one another for referral and collaboration opportunities. 
  • Focus groups—To help product-producing businesses conduct market research in a low-pressure and unbiased setting. 
  • Professional headshot events—Check our calendar often to find events to get your headshot taken by a local photographer for free! You then are able to use your headshot on LinkedIn, a website, social media, business cards and more. 

To learn about the ways the library supports small business and entrepreneurship in Baltimore County, watch our latest video, “Start Your Business with Baltimore County Public Library.”

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