small business and nonprofit support brochures

START OR GROW YOUR ORGANIZATION

We’re bringing our small business and nonprofit know­-how to Library locations throughout Lucas County. Each month, you’ll find business and nonprofit specialist librarians at:
New schedule:
  • Mott: First Tuesday | 9 a.​m.​ to 5 p.​m.​
  • Heatherdowns: Second Tuesday | 9 a.​m.​ to 5 p.​m.​
  • King Road: Third Tuesday | 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Sanger: Fourth Tuesday | 9 a.​m.​ to 5 p.​m.​
Receive assistance with business plans, industry and donor research, nonprofit grants, and more!
45-minute appointments are available. Schedule an appointment to get started.

Looking to get started but unsure how? Find free, local business experts for technical assistance and resources through TOL Ramp. The Ramp can help you move forward by matching you with an organization that’s best positioned to assist you in your stage.

Let our staff help you find funding, start a nonprofit, research prospective donors, and develop a strategic or fundraising plan.

Need help getting started? Email our Small Business and Nonprofit Department or call 419.214.6131 to set up an appointment. You can also sign up for our monthly Nonprofit Support newsletter.

Personalized grants search for nonprofit organizations

Simply complete this FORM and your results will be emailed back to you.

Grant funding resources

Our staff can help whether you already have a business or you see an unmet need and want to start a business. We have the expertise and tools to help you: learn about the business you’re interested in; know your competition; define your overall goals, and create a business plan.

Need help getting started? Email our Small Business and Nonprofit Department or call 419.259.5244 to set up an appointment. You can also sign up for our quarterly Business newsletter.

Additional Business Resources

Business Associations and Local Chambers of Commerce

Local resources

State and federal resources

The Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC) is part of a nationwide network of public, state, and academic libraries designated by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to support the public with trademark and patent assistance.

One-to-One Assistance:

  • The Library offers one-to-one assistance with a Business Specialist Librarian to begin your search.
  • Researchers may make an appointment by calling 419.259.5244 or emailing business@toledolibrary.org
  • The USPTO website offers a public patent search you can do from home or office.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask for helpful research tips or let us conduct a sample search with you.
  • Library staff are prohibited from conducting your actual search, offering legal advice or opinions.

Research session tips:

  • Determine what type of intellectual property you need.
  • Always start at a site ending in .GOV

Free Monthly Resource:
Ask a Patent/Trademark/Copyright Attorney is every FIRST Thursday 7 p.m. Offered online.

Additional quick links:

We currently do not have any programs scheduled at this time. Please check back soon.

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D&B Hoovers

Companies gain a deeper understanding of their market opportunities so they can make more informed decisions by combining and analyzing data from a wide variety of sources.

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GuideStar

Philanthropic research report database designed to fill in the knowledge gaps you need to find the best charities to which to donate.
*Available only inside Library Locations.

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