Loving the NYPL Even More!

Here's a great set of resources for current and would-be small business owners on the NYPL website.

Coolest thing is sample business plans. Want to open a rock climbing and espresso store? An art glass studio? With just your library card bar code, you can view sample business plans remotely.

If you don't see a business plan that matches your business, look for comparables. A small service business -- like a yoga studio -- might want to view the business plan for a counselling center. (Similar needs in both businesses: space, people and some minimal equipment. The "Teen Nightclub" business plan is also quite instructive for a small service business.)

What I don't know is whether any of these business plans ever became real companies.

Something like 50% of all small businesses close within 5 years, so just because I didn't find Rockhound Climbing and Coffee in Wyoming doesn't mean it wasn't real. Or maybe they chose a different name?

You can download MP3s of lectures given at the library, view FAQs, ask a librarian a question via their e-form...and more.

I don't have time to fully peruse the site today. Check it out.