Your Library understands that the key to successful business management and healthy growth is convenient and swift access to the best resources. We provide reference services and library resources to help Charlotte-Mecklenburg area businesses succeed.
Does your business need:
- Lists of companies in your target market?
- Lists of competitors in your geographic area?
- Names of executives to contact?
- Demographic statistics, trends, and maps?
- Industry data from nearby and from around the world?
- Content for your webpage, tweets, or newsletter?
- Classes on using technology to increase productivity?
Your library has all this and more.
Additionally, your library has spaces to meet and work. Meet informally at one of the 20 locations across the county or rent a room for a larger meeting. Your local branch has all the basics - free wifi, Internet and computer access, and MS Office products.
Not sure where to start? Ask to speak with a Librarian at one of our 20 libraries around Mecklenburg County.
Introduction to the Ice House Entrepreneurship Program
The Ice House Entrepreneurship Program, an experiential problem-based learning program designed to empower learners. The 8-module online course aims to develop entrepreneurial skills, including creativity, critical thinking, and effective problem solving, that reach far beyond the concept of business creation and small business management.
The online course is self-paced and available for free through Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.
Whether you are thinking about starting the program or are already working through it, join us to ask questions, share your experiences, and hear from entrepreneurs.
Subscription Databases
referenceUSA
One of the world's largest databases of industry and company information, with contact information, sales and employee figures.
SimplyAnalytics
A web-based mapping application that enables you to quickly create professional-quality thematic maps using powerful business and marketing data.
ABI/INFORM Collection
Business research needs including journal articles, trade publications, market research reports, dissertations, and working papers are all available.
Entrepreneurship Database (ProQuest)
This database bridges theory with practice, covering a wide spectrum of resources useful to educators, researchers, students and practitioners.
Mergent Online
Mergent Online is an electronic database that is easy to use and has global business and financial data for companies worldwide.
Charlotte Observer (current and historical access)
Newsbank provides access to articles appearing in the Charlotte Observer newspaper from 1892 to the present, searchable by name, word, or phrase.
Charlotte Business Journal
Charlotte Business Journal offers business news updates, dozens of popular topics from around the nation, city of Charlotte and surrounding areas.
Wall Street Journal
Contains an index of articles from 1981, and many full articles from 1984 to the present. The financial newspaper of record, offering coverage of national and international finance as well as coverage of hard news.
Business Websites
Charlotte Business Resources
A Charlotte-Mecklenburg County collaborative network of organizations committed to saving you time and money by providing relevant business information.
Business Link North Carolina
Provides one-on-one consultations at no cost, customized licensing information, employer and business structure forms, referrals to state agencies and more.
SCORE: Counselors to America's Small Business
Experienced volunteer business professionals who serve the greater Charlotte area, as part of the nation’s premier mentoring organization for small business.
Census Bureau
The Census Bureau's American FactFinder provides access to data about people and industry in the United States based on several censuses and surveys.
SBA: Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration has delivered millions of loan guarantees, contracts, counseling sessions and other forms of assistance to small businesses.
SBA North Carolina District Office
Your Charlotte SBA: national assistance in a local office. Find workshops and experts to help you in your buisness plans.
BusinessUSA
A centralized platform offering financing and learning opportunities making it easier than ever to access federal services to help businesses grow and hire.
Minority Business Development Agency
MBDA focuses on maximizing job creation and global competitiveness for minority-owned businesses and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
Online Learning Resources
Universal Class
An online education experience offering over 540 courses in subjects like entrepreneurship, technology, health, career assistance, and more.
Lynda.com
Lynda.com is an online educational site that includes over 3,000 courses (and over 130,000 videos) in popular fields like web design, web development, IT, education/instruction, media production, and business.
GCF Learn Free
Interactive essential skills training on topics including Microsoft Office, email, reading, math, and work skills taught through more than 125 tutorials.
MOOCS List
Free non-degree online courses with open enrollment from leading universities.