The Business Resource & Innovation Center (BRIC) is an essential part of Philadelphia's entrepreneurial ecosystem. The BRIC creates multiple entry points for those with ideas, plans, skills, and passions, enabling people to make fact-based decisions in order to fulfill their goals. We assist entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and job seekers at every stage, helping to improve their skills through public programs and individualized guidance in research and planning. We collaborate with many local and national agencies to provide specialized programs and expert mentoring and curate print and digital resources.
Visit or Contact Us
Parkway Central Library
1901 Vine Street, Ground Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-686-8663
Hours
| Sunday | 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Monday | 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Saturday | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Press
Could the Free Library replace your office?
Technical.ly Philly
If you're in the "I have an idea but now what?" stage of entrepreneurship, the Business Resource and Innovation Center at the Parkway Central branch makes for a great first stop. Just don't expect free coffee.
Borrow a ukulele or a necktie? Learn yoga? Unconventional ways to maximize a Free Library card.
The Philadelphia Inquirer
For its 570,441 cardholders, the Free Library system offers thousands of resources, materials, online courses, workshops, and classes.
'There will be no shushing' at Philadelphia Free Library's fancy new wing for start-ups, businesses
The Philadelphia Inquirer
In the Free Library's new Business Resource and Innovation Center, you can be as noisy as you want, even eat there. You can get free headshots taken for your LinkedIn profile, or a video of you practicing pitches. Or take a class on how to write a business plan.
Take in some jazz, give the Free Library its due, or celebrate Japanese culture
WHYY
Check out the latest edition of the Free Library, exult in the beauty of Fairmount Park, or follow the footsteps of African-American artists in North Philly.
Philadelphia Free Library builds new public rooms, new modern mission
WHYY
The expansion of the Library includes a new teen center with video games; a Manga animation collection, and young adult novels; a small business resource center with powerful wifi and onsite consultants; and 7,200 square feet of undetermined public space with chairs, tables, power outlets, and meeting rooms to be used however one wishes.
$35.8 Million Philadelphia Library Renovation Brings Exciting New Spaces
NBC Philadelphia
In its largest renovation since its opening in 1927, the Free Library of Philadelphia is set open 41,000 square feet of newly reimagined space within the Parkway Central Library after years of planning and renovation.
Free Library of Philadelphia Opening 41K SF of New Public Space
GlobeSt.com
The Free Library of Philadelphia's renovation is the largest since it was completed in 1927, and increases the building's public space to 68 percent.
Parkway Central Library opening 41,000 square feet of new space
PhillyVoice
There will be three new areas: the Robert and Eileen Kennedy Heim Center for Cultural and Civic Engagement, the Business Resource and Innovation Center (BRIC), and the Marie and Joseph Field Teen Center.
Publication focused on serving entrepreneurs added to 'Quick Reads' series
American Library Association
Taking Care of Business in the 21st Century is the fifth installment in the Association's "Quick Reads for Busy Librarians" series. The Quick Reads series features publications under 100 pages long and covering topics deemed essential to modern public library workers.
February 2018 Volunteer of the Month
Philadelphia VIP
The Business Resource and Innovation Center (BRIC) of the Free Library of Philadelphia is a core partner of Phialdelphia VIP's LawWorks program, the city's only broad-based provider of critical legal support to the small businesses and nonprofits creating employment opportunities, generating tax revenues, and serving their communities.
Free Library to Help Entrepreneurs Make Better Pitches
Philadelphia Magazine
The Free Library's Business Resource and Innovation Center wants to teach Philly entrepreneurs a thing or two about pitching. Next week, the Parkway Central Library will launch the Pitch Corner, a new resources and space for innovators where they can hone their business pitches and strengthen elevator pitches about their assets and aptitudes.
Free Library to offer tool for entrepreneurs
Philly.com
The Free Library of Philadelphia on Wednesday will launch the Pitch Corner, a new tool for entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and job seekers. It's a semiprivate space in the Parkway Central Library's business center where start-ups can practice and record their pitch in front of a video camera.
Social Enterprise Innovators
Social Innovations Journal
3rd Place: BRIC librarians represented by Rebekah Ray. The Free Library of Philadelphia, Business Resource & Innovation Center (BRIC) curates information for and fosters the growth of new social enterprises and nonprofits.
Since 2016, the Business Resource and Innovation Center (BRIC) has been a one-stop shop for entrepreneurs, nonprofits, inventors, and job seekers at the Free Library. We’ve helped thousands of people enhance their skills through public programs and individualized guidance in research and planning. BRIC staff is thrilled to grow… continue reading
By Gillian R. April 2, 2019 1
Happy National Inventors’ Day! This special day was proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1983 “in recognition of the enormous contribution inventors make to the nation and the world.” It is celebrated each year on February 11 in honor of the birthday of Thomas Alva Edison . Edison (1847-1931), a very prolific… continue reading
By Sharyl O. February 11, 2019 1
We're thankful for these inventions that help us make the Thansgiving feast and all the festivties more enjoyable and fun! Automatic mashed potato system (2007) U.S. Patent No. 7172335 Mashed potatoes are a favorite Thanksgiving dish, but can be time-intensive to prepare. The cook has to peel the potatoes, boil &… continue reading
By Sharyl O. November 20, 2018
Get into the proper Halloween spirit with these hair-raising creations… This invention features a life-sized ghoul with a “reservoir of fluids inside the head” that is triggered to vomit into a bucket when approached by unwary trick-or-treaters. At the same time, it will play a variety of messages, such… continue reading
By Sharyl O. October 24, 2018
What’s on your resume is just as important as what’s not on it. Last month we learned how to revamp a tired resume . Now it’s time to determine what should be left off! Here are the top ten things you should never include on your resume: 10. Hobbies and interests Don’t include items that are irrelevant… continue reading
By Gillian R. June 26, 2018 6
The Workplace , a service of the Business Resource & Innovation Center , is excited to announce our latest FREE resource: monthly resume review ! Our newest staff member, Janet, has 20 years of management experience with a background in education and public service, as well as being responsible for interviewing and hiring… continue reading
By Gillian R. May 30, 2018
The Workplace is a service that supports job seekers within the Business Resource & Innovation Center at Parkway Central Library , providing current information and resources on changing careers, job searching techniques, and emerging employment fields to help career changers and job seekers achieve their goals. Whether you are… continue reading
By Gillian R. March 26, 2018 1
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I recently spoke with a familair face at Parkway Central Library —Sean Early, the Digital Resource Specialist in the Workplace , a service that supports job seekers within the Business Resource & Innovation Center (BRIC) at the Free Library of Philadelphia. He tells me why he loves his job and why you should make an… continue reading
By Gillian R. January 11, 2018
In this edition of Partner Spotlight, we are thrilled to speak with Herman Nyamunga , the Director of the Welcoming Center's Global Enterprise Hub ! In this role, Herman provides technical assistance to entrepreneurs and business owners to successfully establish, stabilize, and expand their microenterprises. Herman is… continue reading
By CaitlinT October 12, 2017
This month, we're excited to speak with Cynthia Estremera, the Community Engagement Liaison for Best for PHL . Best for PHL, an initiative of Impact PHL , seeks to improve our region by educating the business community on how they can make a social impact. Best for PHL assists these businesses as they identify how they may be… continue reading
By CaitlinT September 26, 2017
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BRIC librarians went on the road to Upper Darby to find Patrice Banks, proprietor of Girls Auto Clinic and Clutch Beauty Bar , and soon-to-be published author of Girls Auto Clinic Glove Box Guide . Patrice is combining a unique business model of serving women by "creating confident drivers and smart consumers" and giving… continue reading
By Rebekah R. August 29, 2017 1
Each month the Regional Foundation Center 's Inforum newsletter features a local funder, nonprofit, or service provider who highlights their organization's services and how they support the social sector. This month we are excited to have Doug Barg, founder and president of Kitchen Cred to talk about the… continue reading
By Caitlin S. August 23, 2017 5
With the summer heat upon us, what better time is there to talk about ice cream? This month, we’re excited to interview local entrepreneur Steven Dorcelien, owner of Bright Yellow Creamery , who serve up delicious small-batch ice cream from locally sourced ingredients and is proudly based here in Philadelphia! Bragging… continue reading
By CaitlinT July 25, 2017 1
This month we’re speaking with Robert Goza, Lead Economic Development Specialist/Public Information Officer at the U.S. Small Business Administration Eastern Pennsylvania District Office . Rob joined the Eastern Pennsylvania District Office team in 2013. He previously served as Regional Communications Director for SBA’s… continue reading
By CaitlinT June 15, 2017
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Here at the Patent and Trademark Resource Center in the Business Resource & Innovation Center at the Parkway Central Library , we are lucky to work with some amazing organizations who are dedicated to growing Philadelphia’s small business and inventor community. This month, we are excited to highlight the … continue reading
By Sharyl O. May 23, 2017 1
Here at the Business Resource & Innovation Center , we are lucky to work with some amazing organizations who are dedicated to growing Philadelphia’s small business community. This month, we are excited to highlight the Independence Business Alliance , Greater Philadelphia’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce. We’d like to… continue reading
By CaitlinT April 21, 2017
Each month the Regional Foundation Center newsletter features a local funder, nonprofit, or service provider who highlights their organization's services and how they support the social sector. This month we are excited to have Caity Tingo and Gillian Robbins, business librarians in the Free Library's Business Resource &… continue reading
By Caitlin S. March 29, 2017 12
'Tis the season for goal-setting! You might be feeling merry and motivated right now, but as the year gallops along, don't let your resolve wane. Lean on the Free Library to keep your resolutions! Our mission, of course is to advance literacy, guide learning, and inspire curiosity, and those align perfectly with many of the… continue reading
By Samantha M. December 29, 2016 2
Love it or hate it, we’ve all heard of the great sporting event that is Black Friday. If you’re up for the chaos, Black Friday is a great opportunity to score deals on discounted merchandise, but what if you’re looking for something more... unique? Or an opportunity to shop that doesn’t require getting up at… continue reading
By CaitlinT November 17, 2016 1
BRIC is excited to announce our new “Business and Brews” series! Join us inside the Business Resource and Innovation Center (BRIC) at Parkway Central Library the second Wednesday of every month at 6:00 p.m. for a networking hour with light beverages, provided by Two Roads Brewing Company (ID required) and sponsored by The… continue reading
By Juanita V. September 13, 2016 1