Business

Whether you are an emerging entrepreneur or an established small business owner, the Business Resource and Innovation Center is here for you!

If you are running a successful company, thinking of growing your business, or just planning your first venture, start here! Dedicated to assisting the professionals of Greater Philadelphia in all stages of business growth, the BRIC offers a variety of resources to help fit the needs of the community. Are you looking to narrow down your target market? Find your ideal demographic? Identify and analyze your competition? We can help you do that!

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Our Services

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The Business Resource and Innovation Center is excited to offer one-on-one sessions with a librarian. We can provide individual training on our databases with regard to market research, demographics, competitors, sales lists, and general business planning. Appointments are generally 45 minutes to one hour in length. Schedule your appointment today!

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Upcoming Events

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Virtual Reference Desk

Virtual Reference Desk

Mon, May 10, 2021 2:00 P.M.
Parkway Central Library

BRIC’s business librarian misses you! Stop by the Virtual Reference Desk if you have a quick question for the librarian.  The Virtual Reference Desk will be staffed from 2:00pm to 3:00pm via Zoom. There is no pre-registration for this event. Questions are limited to five to ten…

Virtual Business Planning Made Easy: Introducing Gale Small Business Builder

Virtual Business Planning Made Easy: Introducing Gale Small Business Builder

Wed, May 12, 2021 10:30 A.M.
Parkway Central Library

Are you ready to write, revise, or completely revamp your business plan for your business or non-profit? Learn how to use Gale Business: Plan Builder, a guided planning tool that provides resources for starting, managing, and optimizing a business or non-profit. You will explore five key…

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Sample Documents

Person using Computer

Just getting started? Find inspiration in this collection of sample business documents and quick resource guides. If you need additional assistance, contact the BRIC business department or schedule an appointment to meet with a librarian.

Databases and Digital Resources

Explore our extensive collection of premier business databases. If you need additional assistance utilizing the databases contact the BRIC business department or schedule an appointment to meet with a librarian.

Video Content Library

Explore our video library which includes our most popular classes as well as demonstrations on how to access and use the business databases.

Classes

Did you miss a class? Did you forget which database does what? Do you need a refresher course? We are excited to provide on-demand access to our classes on YouTube.

  • Business Plan Toolkit

    New to entrepreneurship, business research, or writing a business plan? Start here! Learn to use Free Library resources to research your business plan professionally! This class is broken down into five parts: Introduction to Business Plans and Industry Classification Codes, Competitive Analysis, Demographics, Market Research, and Financials and Additional Free Resources in Philadelphia.

  • Introduction to Market Research

    Learn to conduct market research using Free Library resources! This class will introduce you to the knowledge required to begin researching your industry to better understand the state of your product or service. Get an introduction to industry codes, gain a better understanding of the market using demographic data, and examine the market share by researching the competition.

  • Creating a Competitive Analysis

    Learn how to conduct a competitive analysis using Ffree library resources! This class will help you identify your industry competitors, profile your key competition, and analyze the strengths and weaknesses of your competitors against your own company.

  • Introduction to Demographic Research: Finding Your Target Audience

    Learn how to find and narrow your target audience using Free Library databases and other free online resources! In this session you will learn how to make use of demographics, psychographics, market research, and open data.

Database Demonstrations

Business research is an important component of business ownership because it helps to lay the foundation on which businesses start and grow! Learn how to access information on business plans, industry trends and opportunities, demographics, sales leads, competitors, and best practices using our premier business databases.

Online Resources

Curated especially for the needs of local entrepreneurs, these websites will help you continue your research, and stay informed about the Philadelphia small business network! For more information, contact the BRIC business department or schedule an appointment to meet with a librarian.

Partners

Philadelphia offers a vast array of small business development resources. We are proud to call these organizations partners as we work together to foster the small business community.