Morris Library Offering Business Plan Resources

From Morris Co: Ever have a fantastic idea for a new business? Need to expand a current one? A business plan can organize those aspirations, and a new online service provided by MAIN member public libraries in collaboration with the Morris County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and local SCORE chapter are here to help.

Library card holders now have access to Gale Small Business Builder (https://www.mainlib.org/gsbb/), a step‐by‐ step online planning tool for starting, managing and optimizing a business or nonprofit organization. The program’s intuitive dashboard walks users through five areas of exploration in order to develop a business plan focused on long‐term success. Areas include entrepreneur profiles, business ideation, break‐even analysis and financial projections. The service can be accessed remotely or from within a library.
Meghan Hunscher, Executive Director at the EDC is excited for the opportunities that Gale Small Business Builder can create. “The Morris County EDC is proud to support this initiative by MAIN libraries to provide vital resources to the business and entrepreneurial community,” stated Ms. Hunscher. “Morris County is home to over 25,000 businesses, many of which are small to mid‐sized. This is exactly the kind of tool that can help businesses succeed and expand.”

Users stuck on a particular section in Gale Small Business Builder have nothing to worry about because the volunteers at SCORE are ready to help. Proudly serving Morris, Sussex and Warren Counties via face to face, phone, and Skype counseling, SCORE’s Northwest NJ chapter is composed of over 50 mentors from about as many different fields and industries that possess the experience to help those interested to start a business or grow an existing business. “We are a team of volunteers who are dedicated to giving back after enjoying successful business careers,” explained Bruce Fisher, SCORE Mentor and Chapter 24 Vice President. He continued, “You can count on your SCORE mentor to be there for you throughout the life of your business.

There are no fees for this service and we are flexible with respect to meeting in person, via email, or over the phone and Skype.” MAIN was originally created in 1980 when a number of Morris County’s libraries were automated with a shared computer system. Over time, it has evolved into a full‐fledged public library consortium in and around the County, which offers its members cost‐sharing opportunities, technical support, and an organizational structure conducive to collaboration and efficient management of tax dollars.

The Morris County EDC helps local companies, business owners, and entrepreneurs navigate and tap into the many local, regional, state, and federal resources for business assistance. From workforce training to sources of financing to networking to resources for business growth and more – the MCEDC team helps connect local businesses with the right agency or organization to address their needs.

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