3 Organizations that Want to Help Your Business

SIBL, New York Public Library’s Science, Industry and Business Library

What’s the story?

SIBL is committed to providing open access to information on entrepreneurship, whether that be education, research, or events. Besides all the usual library services like public-use computers, wi-fi, and a large selection of print and archived reading material, SIBL offers specialized research materials, daily classes and presentations, and a dedicated team of research librarians that can help you with your query—even if you can’t come into the library in person.

How can it help?

SIBL’s research librarians are incredibly valuable for growing businesses. They can find you a specific document, let you know how and where to search to best solve your problem, or even do your research for you. SIBL’s specialized research materials include: federal and local government documents, such as patents, laws and demographics; industrial directories and buyers’ guides; international trade and business resources; corporate annual reports; and financial information such as stock reporting services. For quick questions, call (917) 275-6975 Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm, or email sibleref@nypl.org. For a fee, they can tackle something more involved; visit nypl.org/express for more info.

SIBL is also home to a branch of SCORE, a free advisory service that helps provide training, problem solving, and expansion options for small businesses. You can also rent conference rooms and meeting rooms for small groups.

Where can I find out more?

Visit nypl.org/sibl, call (917) 275-6975, or pay them a visit at 188 Madison Avenue in Manhattan.

Seedco

What’s the story?

Founded in 1987, Seedco is a nonprofit organization that creates programs dedicated to advancing economic development in local communities. Seedco provides services and support for job seekers, workers, and families, as well as small businesses. Thanks to their programs, created to help small businesses start successfully and continue to thrive, Seedco has helped over 6,000 small businesses to date.

How can it help?

Some of Seedco’s small business services include assistance for business planning and startup, recruitment, government licensing, and loan packaging. They also offer legal and accounting referrals, business needs assessments, general job training, and guidance on taking advantage of government incentives. Seedco can also help provide MWBE certification and put small businesses in touch with green business services.

Seedco Financial Services, a subsidiary of Seedco, offers affordable loans for working capital to small businesses looking to expand, relocate, or restructure.

Where can I find out more?

To contact Seedco, visit www.seedco.org. To contact Seedco Financial Services, visit www.seedcofinancial.org.

Corporate Alliance Program

What’s the story?

The NYC Department of Small Business Services recently announced the Corporate Alliance Program (CAP), a trio of initiatives designed to connect certified MWBEs with private contracting and capacity-building opportunities. The three initiatives include the CAP/Columbia University Construction Mentorship Program, the Corporate Coaching Program, and the Corporate Skills Training Initiative.

How can it help?

CAP’s initiatives are designed to increase opportunities for MWBEs in today’s difficult economy. Through the initiatives, businesses can connect with the major participating corporations: BNY Mellon, Colgate Palmolive, Goldman Sachs, Columbia University, IBM, American Express, AXA/Equitable, Accenture, Citi, Credit Suisse, Con Edison, and National Grid. The Corporate Coaching Program matches business owners with senior executives for one-on-one coaching and advice. The Corporate Skills Training Program is designed to introduce business owners to the basic concepts of private sector business relationships. The CAP/CU Construction Mentorship Program brings together the expertise of Columbia University with several different corporations to create a business management program featuring both hands-on and classroom instruction for minority-, women-, and locally-owned construction-related businesses.

Where can I find out more?

Get more information about the three programs by emailing corporatealliance@sbs.nyc.gov.