PREPARE + PROSPER Prepare + Prosper is a nonprofit organization that assists low- to moderate-income people to build financial well-being through free tax preparation and financial services, products, and coaching. Volunteers are trained—those in the tax clinics are IRS-certified. Contact information for Prepare + Prosper is provided in the Resource Directory section of this guide.
LIBRARIES
LIBRARIES AND BUSINESS SUPPORT Libraries and librarians remain an invaluable resource f or entrepreneurs and small business owners. They provide access to specialized business collections, online databases, and workshops, and they can save you significant time by helping you choose the right tools and search strategies. Many public libraries now offer small business–focused classes (for example, on business planning or patent and trademark research) and networking‑style events. Entrepreneurs can use library resources to write business plans , research c ustomers and competitors , track industry trends , and perform market analysis . Library databases provide business news and research, company information, trade and professional association data, annual reports, and demographic and economic information. Many of these resources can be searched from home or work using a library card, and local public libraries can also connect you to larger and specialized collections, including college/university libraries and government or special libraries. eLibrary Minnesota (ELM) eLibrary Minnesota (ELM) is a statewide online resource that helps residents find databases and online content through their local libraries. It offers access to: • Business and economics databases (including Business Source Premier and other tools for company, industry, and market research) • News, magazines, and academic journals • Minnesota‑specific resources and directories ELM is a good starting point for locating both public libraries and the databases available to Minnesota residents. Example Databases for Business Information The following databases provide access to business news, research, trends and reports: • ABI/INFORM Collection - Articles from business journals plus industry, market, and country reports. • Business Source Premier - Articles from business journals plus industry, market, and country reports.
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