Spokane, WA - In an exciting development for the Spokane business community, Spokane Public Library and Spokane County Library District have come together to acquire and revitalize StartUp Spokane, a program originally created by Greater Spokane Inc. (GSI) to support local entrepreneurs and foster business growth.

This strategic partnership, fueled by a grant from the Washington State Microenterprise Association and a sponsorship from Numerica Credit Union, builds upon the free business resources that Business Librarians Mark Pond at Spokane Public Library and Stacey Goddard and her team at Spokane County Library District have offered for over a decade. This natural extension of the existing library resources will reach more of the community and provide accessible resources for aspiring and established business owners throughout the region.

StartUp Spokane will also serve as a bustling hub for local business partnerships, offering a range of tailored services. One notable partnership is with Gravis Law, providing the community access to valuable resources such as legal clinics staffed by experienced business law attorneys and engaging interactive workshops.

“This dynamic partnership aims to position StartUp Spokane as the ultimate one-stop shop for entrepreneurs looking to launch and grow their business,” said Mark. “Together, we will empower businesses throughout Spokane County to thrive, driving economic growth and innovation in our communities.”

The newly redesigned StartUp Spokane website offers a user-friendly interface that highlights the following features:

 - Personalized consulting with Mark at Spokane Public Library and Stacey and her team from Spokane County Library District

 - Step-by-step guidance for new business owners to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship

 - Access to a network of specialized mentors who can provide valuable insights and guidance

 - A wealth of databases for demographics, industry trends, market research, and much more
 
StartUp Spokane was initially launched by GSI as a means to connect and empower Spokane’s business community. Over the years, it has served as a catalyst for networking, business events, and valuable resources.

“This strategic partnership of the two library systems underlines the dedication of our community to support local entrepreneurs and seeks to bolster the network of entrepreneurial support and resources – a goal identified in our region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (THRIVE Spokane),” said Gary Ballew, VP of Economic Development, GSI. “We are confident this will enhance opportunities for aspiring and established business owners throughout the region.”

You can visit the brand new StartUp Spokane website, designed by Houdini Interactive, at startupspokane.com.

About Spokane Public Library

Spokane Public Library aims to inspire a thriving city through cultural and educational opportunities. An award-winning library that spans seven locations and houses nearly half-a million items, Spokane Public Library circulates nearly two million items and welcomes one million visitors annually. Customers can enjoy traditional library media and can also access digital downloads, databases, historical collections, art exhibits and interesting free programming. For general information about the library, please visit spokanelibrary.org or call 509.444.5300.

About Spokane County Library District

Spokane County Library District provides resources, experiences, and places that empower people to learn, explore, and succeed. The District operates 10 libraries throughout Spokane County that include Airway Heights, Argonne, Cheney, Deer Park, Fairfield, Medical Lake, Moran Prairie, North Spokane, Otis Orchards, and Spokane Valley, as well as our mobile library, LINC. District library cards are free to Spokane County residents. For more information on our libraries or programs, please visit www.scld.org  or call 509.893.8200.

About Greater Spokane Inc.

Greater Spokane Inc. (GSI) is the Spokane region's business development organization. GSI creates the place where organizations come together to advocate for the region, drive strategic economic growth, and champion a talented workforce. GSI is funded through a combination of private and public investment, including over 800 private-sector members; Spokane County; Washington State Department of Commerce; and the cities of Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Deer Park, Liberty Lake, Airway Heights, Medical Lake, Millwood, Newport, and the Kalispel Tribe of Indians. For more information visit GreaterSpokane.org