Business Services
Need help navigating the available supports both locally and nationally for your business? Learn how our business librarians can help - free assistance and tools to make the most of your venture!
Nonprofit Program Series
The Library’s Nonprofit Program Series at Central Library offers free, in-person workshops on a variety of nonprofit management topics including starting a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, developing a board of directors, strategic planning, fundraising, volunteer recruitment, planning effective programs, and writing successful grant proposals. Workshops are led by local nonprofit experts. We also offer training on using Foundation Directory, a prospecting tool for researching grant funders as well as how to find evidence-based research for grant proposals. These sessions are led by librarians on our Nonprofit Team at Central library. See the Spring 2025 Nonprofit Series schedule.
Small Business Workshop Series
Central Library also hosts a small business series of free, in-person workshops and a legal clinic for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. Workshops cover essential business topics such as financial statements, law, marketing, certifications, and intellectual property. The Small Business and Intellectual Property Legal Clinic is where you can bring your questions about a legal aspect of starting a business or intellectual property such as trademarks and patents. Check back here for the Fall 2025 schedule.
Central Library: a Business-friendly Space
Did you know that Central Library has business librarians who are trained in supporting patrons with business needs, free of charge?
- Consult with a business librarian about starting or growing your small business.
- Get assistance with research questions
- Patent & Trademark Resource Center, including one on one consultations with Patent and Trademark librarians. See our Patent and Trademark resources that include help guides, videos, search software, and the full text of United States patents.
- Nonprofit resources and workshops, including one on one consultation with nonprofit librarians. See our Nonprofit resources and find out our workshop schedule.
- See our full schedule of computer and technology classes.
- Need more help? Ask a Library staff member at any of our locations or call, text or email Ask-a-Librarian.
Workspace
- Private study rooms (up to 2 hours per day)
- Wi-Fi
- Tables with outlets
- Printers and wireless printing from your device
- Quiet floor
Technology
- PCs
- Printers and wireless printing
- Wi-Fi
- Scanners
- Fax machine
- 3D printer
- Tech help desk experts
- Assistive technology equipment
Meeting Spaces:
- Private study rooms available for Zoom calls, interviews, staff meetings, and client meetings (up to 2 hours per day)
- Larger conference room rentals
- Tables and chairs in Atrium area for meetings
Meet with a Librarian One-on-One
Learn more about the major factors involved in becoming an entrepreneur. During your visit, you will participate in a one hour meeting where all the major aspects of developing a new business will be covered: business plans, marketing, networking, website development, and much more. Rather than a generic presentation, you will receive information and resources specific to your chosen field. Schedule an appointment by texting 317-333-6877 or register to meet with a business librarian one-on-one through Ask-a-Librarian.
Business Resources: All FREE with your IndyPL library card
Books, e-Books, and Downloadable Audiobooks
Business subject headings:
- Business - Planning
- Business Law - United States
- Corporate Planning
- Incorporation - Indiana
- New Business Enterprises
- Partnership - United States
- Proposal Writing in Business
- Small Business
- Venture Capital
Business Databases including:
- Data Axle
- Legal Forms Database
- (see current list of databases, click on the category "Business & Nonprofit.")
Business Magazines and Periodicals including:
- Indianapolis Business Journal
- Entrepreneur
- Inc
- Kiplinger's
- For more information see Business Periodicals
Online Courses and On-demand Video
LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com)
Learn relevant, professional skills on LinkedIn Learning. Your library card gives you free unlimited access to more than 16,000 courses in 7 different languages. Keep up to date with technology and build career-boosting business know-how. Topics include:
Small Business and Entrepreneurship
Small Business Management
Small Business Marketing
Small Business Finance
Creating a Business Plan
Mango Languages Learning App & website - including Spanish for Business
Learn more about Mango Languages and our other language learning resources.
Kanopy Streaming
Browse Kanopy's category "Business & Professional Skills."
Hoopla Binge Pass
Make a selection from Curiosity Stream or Great Courses.
More Business Resources:
Business Databases
The library’s business databases can be used to research competitors, potential customers, and to research topics like payroll taxes during the coronavirus shutdowns. You can find detailed information about business databases on the IndyPL Blog at Introduction to Business Databases.
Business Periodicals
Your library card gives you access to thousands of magazines, journals, reports and studies. Detailed information about these can be found at Introduction to Business Periodicals. Conveniently we also subscribe to many e-magazines that can be downloaded to your phone, tablet, or computer. You may borrow as many issues as you want and you may keep them for as long as you like. Titles include Kiplinger’s, The Economist, Entrepreneur Magazine, Inc. Magazine, and Fast Company.
Local Business Support Organizations
Our library also networks with many of the top business organizations in Indy to offer you the tools you’ll need to turn your plans into reality. Browse listings for some of the best non-profit organizations in Marion County to help you make your business a success!
Patents and Trademarks
The Indianapolis Public Library is a Patent and Trademark Resource Center. We receive materials from the United States Patent and Trademark Office. See the resources listed on our Patents and Trademarks page that include help guides, videos, search software, and the full text of United States patents.
Free and Low Cost Online Courses
Sharpen your business skills with courses, classes, workshops and webinars online which are absolutely free (or very low cost). Browse a list of some of the largest, most comprehensive collections of learning materials you can access to learn a new software, get better at ones you already use, learn the latest marketing techniques, and much more.
LinkedIn Learning
Learn a new skill or stay up to date on professional development. See the video business courses available on LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com). Your library card gives you free unlimited access.
Get Certified The State of Indiana, City of Indianapolis and Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council have administrative programs and departments offering information and resources in the form of training and networking events to those who wish to pursue certification. To begin the process, businesses must formally apply for certification. To learn more about certification laws, policies, procedures and lists of vendors, please visit the resources listed below.
- City of Indianapolis (OMWBD)
- Indiana Department of Adminstration (IDOA)
- Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council (MSDC)
- Small Business Association (SBA)
- National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)
Business Booklists
Browse booklists created by IndyPL business librarians to explore materials linked directly to our catalog.
Grow with Google
Among the most popular free online supports for small businesses and startups is Grow with Google, which has free training for small business owners to make the most of tools like Google Maps, My Business, Drive, Ads, G Suite, and more. See the Grow with Google course listing.