Serving the Business Community in Spokane County: Inside the StartUp Spokane Rebrand

Posted on October 5, 2023 at 6:00 am

In an exciting development for the business community in the Spokane region, Spokane County Library District and Spokane Public Library have come together to take over and revitalize StartUp Spokane, a program originally created by Greater Spokane Incorporated (GSI) to support local entrepreneurs and foster business growth.

This strategic partnership, fueled by a grant from the Washington State Microenterprise Association and a sponsorship from Numerica Credit Union, builds upon the free business resources that our combined library systems have offered for over a decade. This natural extension of existing library resources will reach even more of the business community and offer all our accessible resources for aspiring and established business owners throughout the region.

StartUp Spokane was initially launched by GSI as a means to connect and empower Spokane’s business community. Over the years, it has served as a catalyst for networking, business events, and valuable resources. Recognizing the tremendous potential of this program, we saw an opportunity to build upon its legacy, making it more accessible and impactful for entrepreneurs.

“While retaining the well-established StartUp Spokane name, we’re introducing a fresh and contemporary look, along with an innovative new website designed by Houdini Interactive,” said Mark Pond, Business Librarian at Spokane Public Library. “This revitalized platform will serve as a hub of information and support for entrepreneurs in the Spokane region.”

The newly redesigned StartUp Spokane website offers a user-friendly interface that highlights the following features:

• Personalized consulting with Business Librarians Mark Pond from Spokane Public Library and Stacey Goddard and her team from Spokane County Library District
• Step-by-step guidance for new business owners to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship
• Access to a network of experienced mentors who can provide valuable insights and guidance
• A wealth of database resources, including demographics, industry trends, market research, and much more

“This dynamic partnership aims to position StartUp Spokane as the ultimate one-stop shop for entrepreneurs looking to launch and grow their business,” said Stacey Goddard, Public Services Manager and Business Librarian at Spokane County Library District. “Together, we will empower businesses throughout Spokane County to thrive, driving economic growth and innovation in our communities.”

You can visit the new StartUp Spokane website at startupspokane.com.

Tags: adults, business, entrepreneurs, resources, small businesses, startups