Submitted by Emily States from Stillwater Public Library
The Stillwater Public Library and Meridian Technology Center (MTC) will offer two free programs for starting a business in October. “Starting a Side Hustle” will occur on Thursday, Oct. 3, from 6-7 p.m. and “Starting a Business” on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 1-3 p.m. Registration is required as space is limited.
Brad Rickelman, assistant director of business and entrepreneurial services at MTC, will instruct both classes. He encourages attendees to come with questions.
“One of the best parts about these classes is assisting attendees in finding the answers to what’s holding them back,” Rickelman said. “I delight in helping people get past their uncertainties and into understanding the whole startup process.”
“Starting a Side Hustle” is intended for anyone who wants to keep their day job but would like to learn the steps needed to start a small business on the side. According to CNBC, around one-third of adults in the US have a side hustle, and this number is expected to grow.
“People start side hustles for many reasons,” Rickelman said. “Some need to make a little extra money, or they have a hobby that produces objects they would like to move out of the house. Others start with a side hustle before turning it into a full-time business.”
Those ready to jump in full-time can attend the “Starting a Business” class, where Rickelman will discuss finances, marketing, the pros and cons of online vs. brick-and-mortar businesses and more.
“Sometimes, the hardest part of starting a business is knowing how to do the research needed to get started,” Rickelman said. “Knowing your market, how to reach that market and many other steps will be covered.”
Additionally, the library has many books (call number 658) and databases on starting and running a business. Interested parties can search the library’s catalog and access databases via the website at stillwaterok.gov/Library.
Go to meridiantech.edu under the “Business and Entrepreneurial Services” menu to learn more about other business classes, one-on-one assistance and more with MTC.
The Stillwater Public Library is located at 1107 S. Duck St. Library hours are Monday- Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
