START A NEW BUSINESS

Some news reports show that our economy is beginning to improve.  Are you ready to start your own business?  This might be a good time to do that, but it's very important to be well-informed in order to become a successful business owner.
Here are some questions you might ask:

• How do I set up a business in South Carolina?
• Is there a need for my business?
• How do I file taxes as a self-employed person?
• Do I need insurance?
• How do I get financing or a small business loan?
• How do I find customers?
• How do I set up a business website?
• How do I advertise?

The Charleston County Public Library system has resources to help you learn how to start a business.  We have many, many books on starting a business. Let's start with three books that will help you.

Legal Guide for starting & running a Small Business by Fred Steingold 
This book is an invaluable guide covering everything from raising money to obtaining licenses and permits.
 Steingold has also written Legal Forms for starting & running a Small Business.  This book is available in the Reference section at Mt. Pleasant Library.

 

 

 





 

The one-hour business plan:the simple and practical way to start anything new by John McAdam 

As of this date the title is on order but should be available soon.  You will find the following information:

Introduction -- Module 1: create a value proposition that makes a stronger business model -- Module 2: who are you offering to? -- Module 3: viewing your offering through your customers' eyes -- Module 4: what milestones & actions plans do for your business.



 

 

Another resource is the Small Business Administration .  There are tutorials and links to important information on starting a business.  The website is www.sba.gov.



The Main Library at 68 Calhoun Street, Charleston, has a business librarian, Amanda Holling, who has special training in helping patrons locate what they need for starting a business. 

Another resource is SCORE which offers free counseling for prospective entrepreneurs. Their mentors offer counseling at their Mt. Pleasant office the 1st and 3rd Tuesday 10:00 am-2:00pm.  The telephone number is 843-343-9276.  The address is 100 Ann Edwards Lane.  Visit their website at www.score285.org They are also at the Main Library the2nd and 4th Wednesday. 

Stop by the Mt. Pleasant Library reference desk and we'll be happy to help you find the information you need to start your own business.

Thanks for reading.

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY DONATIONS

FOL accepts donations of gently used materials at all CCPL locations
The Charleston Friends of the Library relies on the community to donate gently used books, CDs, DVDs and video games that can be sold to raise money for the Library.
				Donations can be dropped off at any branch library. If customers have more than 100 books or six boxes, they should deliver their donations to the Friends’ sorting room at the Main Library between 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays. Customers should go to the loading dock at the rear of the building, and ring the doorbell. If no one answers, the items can be placed in the large drop box outside the back door.
If customers ask about donating items, here are some helpful guidelines to share:
Accepted: ·  Gently used books and textbooks; ·  CDs, DVDs, LPs, books on CD and video games; ·  Tablets, eReaders, cell phones and navigation systems; and ·  Complete encyclopedia sets published after 2009.					Not Accepted: ·  Moldy, wet, torn or damaged books; ·  Out-of-date encyclopedias, textbooks or    computer books published before 2009; and ·  VHS tapes.
Customers also can make cash donations to help offset the staff costs and the expenses associated with evaluating, processing and storing the donated materials. Patrons can go online to support the Friends by becoming a member or making a tax-deductible gift.   For more information, call Emily Everett at 805-6882 or email director@charlestonlibraryfriends.org.