Brooklyn Public Library's 'Power-Up' Program

Brooklyn Public Library

Link to June 3 inc.com article, "Start-Up Help at Your Local Library".

Excerpt: A tree grows there, so why not a startup? The Brooklyn Public Library has been running its “PowerUp!” program since 2003, and more than 2,400 entrepreneurs have participated. That’s a lot of saplings that have started their growth using library resources.

Maud Andrew of BPL’s Business Library Programs and Outreach told me their “Success Council” came up with the idea and started a competition. Members of the council gave prize money for the first round, and The Citi Foundation was the largest initial donor. In subsequent years, Citi has been the primary sponsor.

How is supporting startups part of a local public library’s mission? “The mission of BPL's Business Library is to promote economic development for all Brooklyn residents. PowerUp! is a real life example of the important role access to information plays in the success of a business venture. The participants are required to take classes at the library on writing a business plan, doing market research, making financial projections and giving a presentation,” said Andrew. “They are required to meet with a pro bono business counselor, get a library card and use the Library's resources.”