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Advocacy, Outreach and Collaboration
Poster Session
LaMonica Wiggins, MLIS
Entrepreneurship Librarian
Penn State University
Minority enterprise ownership is on the rise nationally. According to the latest Economic Census from the United States Census Bureau, in 2012 there were 8 million minority enterprises with annual sales totally 1.4 trillion dollars, up 38% since 2007. The incorporation of minority entrepreneurs in our national business sector adds to our competitive advantage internationally.
Although we have seen significant growth, minority firms still only make up 28% of all U.S. firms and those that make it pass idea phase are facing a disproportion in access to capital, government contracts, and startup support and mentorship.
In response to these statistics and clear deficiencies, Rachel Masilamani and LaMonica Wiggins, two business librarians, sought to develop innovative business programming and services to target this specific audience. The objective of the poster is to share their methodology and experience. Visitors to the poster should leave informed and inspired to find ways to use their resources and connections to reach and provide purposeful and meaning services to disadvantaged businesses in their communities.
This poster will explore:
Strategies for developing In-house and speaker programming that focuses on library and community resources to support minority entrepreneurs and business owners in Pittsburgh. Highlighting two program series Resources for Black Business Success hosted in partnership with the Western Pennsylvania Small Business Administration and Small Business Counseling for Women with Chatham University’s Center for Women Entrepreneurship programs.
Tips for recruiting minority entrepreneurs and business owners to lead business and other programming to bring diverse voices to the entrepreneurial experience. Highlighting cases: Julzz--One Classy Cook, Sonia Gartside, Leadership Expert, Marlana Sherman, Holistic Health Coach and Entrepreneur.
Collaborative engagement efforts with community business groups such as Hill Community Development Corporation, Diversity Business Resource Center, Chatham University’s Center for Women Entrepreneurship and the E-Magnify program at Seton Hill University.
Insights into the development of dynamic in-house research consultations through formal book-a-librarian and community group referral services to reach minority startups