Small businesses, entrepreneurs, and start-up businesses now have a space in the Orange Park and Fleming Island libraries to establish or grow their business, according to a county media release. Individuals or groups can reserve the private workspace in two-hour blocks, with a maximum of four hours per day. The business centers have a conference table and provide access to desktop computers with the Microsoft Office Suite, copiers, printers, scanners and Wi-Fi.
A collection of books and online research tools geared toward the needs of a small or start-up business will be available exclusively for business center use, according to the release. The print and online collections include topics such as accounting, company information, demographics, finance, human resources, investment, marketing and market research, management, manufacturing and statistics.
Library staff are available to assist in using the collection. Patrons may also schedule an appointment with a librarian for a one-on-one consultation.
To reserve the Small Business Centers, visit https://www.claycountygov.com/community/library/small-business-centers and select the Fleming Island or Orange Park Branch. Approved applicants will receive an email confirmation for the date and time the business center will be reserved in their name.
You must be 18 years or older to use the workspace. Small Business Centers are not intended to be used as study rooms and they may not be used for sales calls or the solicitation of goods or services. A USB drive is required to save files and nominal printing fees will apply.
“We are so pleased to be able to offer this resource for small and start-up businesses because we know that having access to private meeting space and the latest equipment and software provides a technical advantage and gives that professional edge to help stand out in the small business community,” said Clay County Library Services Director Karen Walker, in the release.
Clay County Commission Chairman Wayne Bolla said the county is always looking for ways to help small-business owners.
“We hope new businesses that are trying to make a name for themselves in Clay County will take advantage of this dedicated office space to develop and grow their business and to network and promote sharing and communications with other small businesses,” he said in the release.
