Case studies
Practical examples of libraries running entrepreneurship and small business support programs.
Brooklyn Public Library: PowerUP! Business Plan Competition
Brooklyn, NY
A long-running library-run business plan competition combining classes, counseling, and a public milestone. It shows how libraries can scaffold real entrepreneurship outcomes.
Nebraska Library Commission: Library Innovation Studios
Nebraska (statewide)
A multi-year, repeatable makerspace model across 35 rural/small libraries, backed by training and certification. Useful proof that distributed programming can work with the right scaffolding.
Fayetteville Public Library: From Maker to Market
Fayetteville, AR
A makerspace-to-microbusiness pathway that helps community members move from prototyping to market. A natural bridge from making to entrepreneurship.
Source: https://www.faylib.org/maker
Las Vegas-Clark County Library District: Maker + Careers infrastructure
Clark County, NV
A system-scale approach combining maker programming, 3D printing access, and career/business support. It shows how entrepreneurship fits inside workforce and hands-on learning.
Queens Public Library: Job & Business Help
Queens, NY
A dedicated job/business hub plus a system-wide program calendar. Evidence of sustained infrastructure for workforce and entrepreneurship support.
Source: https://www.queenslibrary.org/programs-activities/job-business
Riverside County Library System: Adult learning + access infrastructure
Riverside County, CA
County-scale adult learning supports plus calendar-based programming. It shows how a repeatable model can travel across branches and sustain engagement.