Library Offers Free Entrepreneurial Training
By Justin Stout, Head of Information Services, Neuse Regional Libraries
Do you have a million-dollar idea that you want to turn into the next big startup? Or would you like to set up a small side business that turns your hobbies and passions into profit? If you would like to learn more about what it takes to start a small business, or you’re a current entrepreneur looking for ways to be more successful or learn more about your market, Neuse Regional Libraries has a great opportunity for you! Starting on Monday, October 13, the Library will offer a four-week class on the basics of entrepreneurship at no cost to participants.
Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to participate in the NC IDEA Libraries for Entrepreneurial Advancement Fellowship (LEAF), a program designed to help libraries connect their local residents with incredible resources for building a business. NC IDEA is an organization that provides support for entrepreneurs across the state in the form of grants, startup funding, education, and training.
Through this partnership, the Library will offer a series of courses based on the Ice House Entrepreneurship Program, which instills an entrepreneurial mindset by teaching participants to identify and overcome self-limiting beliefs and develop essential entrepreneurial behaviors and skills.
In addition to the Ice House program, the series will offer advice from Lee Albritton of the Lenoir Community College Small Business Center on how to create a business plan and what resources are available at the LCC SBC, as well as a roundtable of local business owners. We will also provide more information on NC IDEA and the resources they offer, as well as training on how to use free library resources through NC LIVE to conduct market research that can make a critical difference in developing a successful business plan and securing startup funding for your business.
Interested participants can register by calling 252-527-7066, Ext. 134, or by emailing jstout@neuselibrary.org. The course will be offered in two-hour sessions twice a week over four weeks; participants can miss up to two sessions and still earn a certificate of completion for the course.
Course Schedule (all sessions 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.)
Monday 10/13 and Tuesday 10/14
ICE HOUSE PART 1: Learn about the power to choose, recognizing opportunities, ideas into action, and the pursuit of knowledge.
Monday 10/20 and Tuesday 10/21
ICE HOUSE PART 2: Learn about creating wealth, building your brand, creating community, and the power of persistence.
Monday 10/27 and Tuesday 10/28
YOUR COMMUNITY: Learn what your next steps should be from LCC Small Business Director Lee Albritton and engage with a roundtable of small business owners.
Monday 11/3 and Tuesday 11/4
THE ENTREPRENEURIAL ECOSYSTEM: Learn about grant opportunities for startups from NC IDEA, how to set up an online marketplace, and how to do market research with free library tools.
For more information call 252-527-7066, Ext. 134 or email jstout@neuselibrary.org. Stay tuned to the Library’s social media and website at neuselibrary.org for offerings in Greene and Jones Counties as well as virtual sessions over the next few months. We hope to see you there!
Neuse News is an independent, locally-owned startup based in downtown Kinston. We’re committed to providing free, hyper-local news across Lenoir, Greene, and Jones counties—the kind of stories that matter most, delivered in a format built for today.
We don't charge subscriptions. Instead, we rely on readers like you—and the businesses that serve our community. When you shop local, dine local, and click on our sponsor ads, you help us keep real journalism free and accessible.
