Ferguson Library Revamps Its Entrepreneur-in-Residence Program

The Ferguson Library is launching a revamped Entrepreneur-in-Residence program for Stamford’s small business and startup community. The goal of this program is to optimize the success of new and existing businesses in the current Covid environment.

The library’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) is a professional who is recognized and respected for small business savvy and connections, with a superior educational background, skills and experience to work with a range of small business and startup clients. The EIR will provide counseling, referrals, and assistance with various official financial and legal documentation, business plans, pitch deck, etc. Appointments with the Entrepreneur-in-Residence will be supplemented with programmatic content including monthly workshops or presentations on various topics relatable to entrepreneurship and small business ownership.

In addition, the library will continue to provide business intelligence, and the print and digital resources entrepreneurs will need to create financial statements, business plans, SWOT analysis and/or pitch deck.

The library is seeking 25 businesses to take part in this pilot program. Founders who are interested will be asked to apply and commit to a yearlong relationship. The introductory session will include assessing client needs and creating a roadmap for the business. Each client will receive five additional sessions, four follow ups for managing progress and the final for status update and completion. The four quarterly meetings will ensure that the client is following the advice/guidance provided by the EIR and progressing as planned. Founders who are selected will be required to submit feedback forms including business current and forecasting reports.

For more information or if you are interested in taking part in this program, please contact Elizabeth Joseph. ejoseph@fergusonlibrary.org. 203-351-8224.

This project is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Connecticut State Library.