Small Business Help
The Berkeley Public Library carries many resources, in both print and electronic formats, to suit the needs of entrepreneurs and small businesses. Ask staff to help you search.
Free Small Business Counseling
The Central Library in cooperation with SCORE - Counselors to America’s Small Business - now offers free one-on-one small-business counseling. SCORE counselors offer a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience in small-business planning, marketing, manufacturing, distribution, finance, accounting, human resources, and e-commerce. Call the library at 981-6148 to schedule your private appointment. SCORE appointments are available Monday evenings between the hours of 4 and 8pm at the Central Library.
Starting in April, for other free confidential one-on-one business counseling with SCORE, visit Berkeley Chamber of Commerce, go to "About the Chamber" and select "Business Resources," or go to Chamber Business Resources.
Whether it's a business plan, marketing or whatever, SCORE can help you, and it's free. Call Tammy at 510-549-7000 to set up a 1-hour appointment. You'll find business resources to help you and your business succeed.
Business Databases
The Library subscribes to several business databases. These databases allow you to find contact information for almost any company currently operating in the U.S., background on specific industries, or periodical articles on thousands of business topics.
Associations Unlimited
Directory of national and international associations, with detailed descriptions of causes, financial worth, and sizes.
Business and Company Resource Center
Company profiles and histories, brand information, rankings, investment reports, chronologies, and full text magazine articles.
Reference USA Company Listings
Detailed information on more than 12 million U.S. businesses. The most complete company directory available on the web. Easy to sort search results by industry and location.
Small Business Network - Resource Library
The Small Business Resource Center is a virtual information center, designed to complement the Berkeley Public Library's on-site services and resources for people working in small businesses. The web sites identified here are among the most authoritative and reliable to date.
Print Directories
Search for lists of competitors and suppliers.
Marketing
Search our demographic and advertising sources.
Small Business Startup
Learn how to start and run your own business or write a business plan.
Berkeley Office of Economic Development
A Resource Guide to Starting a Small Business Information on city and state permits and licenses, taxes, zoning, and how to get additional help for starting a business in Berkeley.
East Bay Small Business Development Center
Offers free one-on-one counseling services for small and medium-size businesses: business plans, marketing, sales, taxes, accounting, loans, etc, to improve opportunities for small businesses throughout Alameda County.
Small Business Network - Resource Library
The Small Business Resource Center is a virtual information center, designed to complement the Berkeley Public Library's on-site services and resources for people working in small businesses. The web sites identified here are among the most authoritative and reliable to date.
Community Business Organizations
BIN Consumer/Business Information Small Business Resources
Berkeley Public Library's own directory of local organizations and services includes several of interest to small businesses.
The Reference staff is available during library hours to assist you in the use of these sources, and we answer questions in person, by phone, or by email. And be sure to check the Library's events calendar for upcoming small business classes and events.