Toledo Lucas County Public Library has a new space for business and non-profit incubation. The Library has long provided staff expertise and reference materials to serve start-up businesses. With the Work Space, entrepreneurs and organizations can create like never before.

Main Library’s Work Space is a sleek, glass-enclosed area that caters to collaboration. It comes equipped with stylish furniture, a kitchenette and bathroom, and is adjacent to the new Community Room. The best part is the public can apply to work in this rent-free space. Selected tenants can use the Work Space for up to several weeks.

Local Business Incubation

Brian Epstein of Draper & Dash US is the first Work Space tenant. His company partners with Draper & Dash, based in the United Kingdom, to assess healthcare data with predictive analytics. It aims to reduce costs and efficiently deliver health services. Epstein said he feels privileged to grow his business in such an aspirational site.

“It’s not just a space,” Epstein said. “It gives us a place to really formalize the structure of our company.”

Epstein praised the Library for prioritizing business incubation and the region’s success. He hopes in turn to keep Draper & Dash US in downtown Toledo. Entrepreneurs can find valuable equipment, reference materials and meeting rooms at the Library. Epstein said this is vital, as every dollar matters when starting a business.

“It’s all of those things available to us, right there in the Library, for free,” Epstein said.

“A whole new level”

Ideal Work Space applicants seek to be catalysts of change, align with the Library’s mission and secure partnerships for greater local impact. David Topoleski, Business and Workforce Department manager, called Draper & Dash US an organization with a strong vision.

Topoleski said the Work Space’s downtown location offers a prime, visible spot, with excellent amenities and opportunities. The space is ideally located in close proximity to the Library’s specialized business reference staff, who are very knowledgeable about business information tools and are connected to local experts for business start-up and development. The Work Space’s mission is to help its occupants build success through Library resources.

“The way in which we can assist these organizations and for-profits, and support them so directly and consistently, is unique and important,” Topoleski said. “To host these groups specifically in our building, with this level of access to our specialized collections and services, allows us to support them in a whole new way and on a whole new level!”