The Business Resource and Innovation Center (BRIC) is an essential part of the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem of Philadelphia. We create 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 in the for-profit and nonprofit arenas 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.
Of course we collect and organize print and digital resources, as well. We also curate the human resources which build networks of support and expertise.
Visit or Contact Us
Parkway Central Library
1901 Vine Street, Room 202
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-686-5394
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
January 2017 FIN of the month - Free Library of Philadelphia.
Funding Information Network
Congratulations to our January FIN of the month, Free Library of Philadelphia. A FIN since 1973, Free Library has an outstanding training and outreach program, offering over 70 courses (!) in 2016 with an average attendance of 25 people. In addition, the library scored a 42.45 on last year’s Network Achievement Report (NAR) – the second highest score in the entire network.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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 1
'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
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
If you’re a local service provider, ReferenceUSA’s database U.S. New Movers/Homeowners is a great resource for your small business. Offering hundreds of thousands of new additions each week, ReferenceUSA’s research teams monitor public records to reveal where people are moving throughout the United… continue reading
By CaitlinT May 11, 2016