The word "strategy" is written in all uppercase letters on a chalkboard. Around the word are eight arrows drawn with chalk. Each arrow points towards a different sticky note. Each sticky note has its own word and color. The colors for the sticky notes include green, orange, and pink. The words for the sticky notes include "vision, growth, marketing, teamwork, motivation, focus, innovation," and "research."

START OR GROW YOUR ORGANIZATION

We’re bringing our small business and nonprofit know­-how throughout Lucas County. Each month, you’ll find business and nonprofit specialist librarians at various Library branches:
 
Schedule:
  • Mott: First Tuesday | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Heatherdowns: Second Tuesday | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Sylvania: Third Tuesday | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Sanger: Fourth Tuesday | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Schedule starting Jan. 6, 2025:
  • Mott: First Monday | 1 to 5 p.m.
  • Heatherdowns: Second Monday | 1 to 5 p.m.
  • Sylvania: Third Monday | 1 to 5 p.m.
  • Sanger: Fourth Monday | 1 to 5 p.m.
Receive assistance with business plans, industry and donor research, nonprofit grants, and more!
 
 

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:

Media Relations for Small Businesses & Nonprofits

(W) December 11 | 10 a.m. — noon | Main Library

Did you know that press releases can improve brand visibility by nearly 70%? In this class, learn effective media relations strategies that will positively impact your organization.

Register - 8 spots left

Business Basics

Presented by the Small Business Development Center

(Tu) December 17 | 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Sylvania

Thinking about starting, buying or expanding your new business? Business Basics is a seminar that will take the confusion out of your efforts and help you avoid costly mistakes or unnecessary steps.

Register

Ask a Patent/Copyright/Trademark Attorney

(Th) January 2 | 7 — 7:30 p.m. | Online Programs

Attorneys will provide an overview and explain the differences between patents, trademarks and copyright, and be available to answer your questions. Please register to have your zoom link.

Register

Grantseeking Tools for Nonprofits

(W) January 8 | 10:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Main Library

Get a bite-sized overview on how to find a funder who aligns with your nonprofit's mission.

Register

Build Your Brand Kit: Graphic Design for Entrepreneurs

(M) January 13 | 1 — 3 p.m. | Main Library

Small business owners and nonprofit professionals will be guided through building a basic brand kit. Logo design, font pairings, and brand color selection will be covered in this course.

Full - join waitlist

Content Planning: New Year, Fresh Marketing

(W) January 15 | 10 a.m. — noon | Main Library

Kick off 2025 feeling ready to engage with your audience! This class will guide you through developing a content plan you can adapt throughout the year for various marketing efforts.

Register

One Year Action Plan for Success

(Sa) January 18 | 10 a.m. — 2:30 p.m. | Main Library

This program will take your business plans and create an operational and strategic plan that will be true to your mission and core values while activating your vision and goals.

Register - 6 spots left

The Entrepreneur's Roadmap: Business Plan Development

(M) January 27 | 5:30 — 7 p.m. | Main Library

Ready to start your journey toward a new business venture? If you’re convinced that entrepreneurship is the route for you, take this introductory business planning course to chart a strong foundation.

Register

Business Basics

presented by the Small Business Development Center

(Tu) January 28 | 10 a.m. — noon | Main Library

Thinking about starting, buying or expanding your new business? Business Basics is a seminar that will take the confusion out of your efforts and help you avoid costly mistakes or unnecessary steps.

Register

Product Photography: Principles for Smartphones

(Th) January 30 | 1:30 — 3 p.m. | Main Library

Led by local product photographer Jennifer Beachy, learn universal basic principles for excellent product photography, and how these principles can be applied with a standard smartphone camera.

Register

Ask a Patent/Copyright/Trademark Attorney

(Th) February 6 | 7 — 7:30 p.m. | Online Programs

Attorneys will provide an overview and explain the differences between patents, trademarks and copyright, and be available to answer your questions. Please register to have your zoom link.

Register

Minding Your Own Business: Business Bookkeeping

(Sa) February 8 | 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. | Main Library

Manage your Business Finances.

Register - 9 spots left

Business Basics

Presented by the Small Business Development Center

(Tu) February 11 | 2:30 — 4:30 p.m. | Mott

Thinking about starting, buying or expanding your new business? Business Basics is a seminar that will take the confusion out of your efforts and help you avoid costly mistakes or unnecessary steps.

Register

Nonprofit Essentials: Introduction to Proposal Writing

(W) February 12 | 2 — 3:30 p.m. | Main Library

Learn how to build the foundation of a solid nonprofit grant proposal.

Register

Business Basics

Presented by the Small Business Development Center

(Tu) February 25 | 10 a.m. — noon | Main Library

Thinking about starting, buying or expanding your new business? Business Basics is a seminar that will take the confusion out of your efforts and help you avoid costly mistakes or unnecessary steps.

Register

One Year Action Plan for Success

(Sa) March 1 | 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. | Main Library

This program will take your business plans and create an operational and strategic plan that will be true to your mission and core values while activating your vision and goals.

Register

Business Basics

Presented by the Small Business Development Center

(Tu) March 4 | 2:30 — 4:30 p.m. | Mott

Thinking about starting, buying or expanding your new business? Business Basics is a seminar that will take the confusion out of your efforts and help you avoid costly mistakes or unnecessary steps.

Register

Ask a Patent/Copyright/Trademark Attorney

(Th) March 6 | 7 — 7:30 p.m. | Online Programs

Attorneys will provide an overview and explain the differences between patents, trademarks and copyright, and be available to answer your questions. Please register to have your zoom link.

Register

Grantseeking Tools for Nonprofits

(W) March 12 | 10:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Main Library

Get a bite-sized overview on how to find a funder who aligns with your nonprofit's mission.

Register

Business Basics

Presented by the Small Business Development Center

(M) March 17 | 2:30 — 4:30 p.m. | Sylvania

Thinking about starting, buying or expanding your new business? Business Basics is a seminar that will take the confusion out of your efforts and help you avoid costly mistakes or unnecessary steps.

Register

Media Relations for Small Businesses & Nonprofits

(Tu) March 18 | 1 — 3 p.m. | Main Library

Did you know that press releases can improve brand visibility by nearly 70%? In this class, learn effective media relations strategies that will positively impact your organization.

Register

Minding Your Own Business: Business Bookkeeping

(Sa) March 22 | 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. | Main Library

Managing your business finances.

Register

The Entrepreneur's Roadmap: Business Plan Development

(Th) April 3 | 10 — 11:30 a.m. | Main Library

Ready to start your journey toward a new business venture? If you’re convinced that entrepreneurship is the route for you, take this introductory business planning course to chart a strong foundation.

Register

Ask a Patent/Copyright/Trademark Attorney

(Th) April 3 | 7 — 7:30 p.m. | Online Programs

Attorneys will provide an overview and explain the differences between patents, trademarks and copyright, and be available to answer your questions. Please register to have your zoom link.

Register

Introduction to Fundraising Plannning

(W) April 9 | 2 — 3:30 p.m. | Main Library

Learn the essential strategies and tactics needed for developing your organization's fundraising plan.

Register

Ask a Patent/Copyright/Trademark Attorney

(Th) May 1 | 7 — 7:30 p.m. | Online Programs

Attorneys will provide an overview and explain the differences between patents, trademarks and copyright, and be available to answer your questions. Please register to have your zoom link.

Register

One Year Action Plan for Success

(Sa) May 3 | 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. | Main Library

This program will take your business plans and create an operational and strategic plan that will be true to your mission and core values while activating your vision and goals.

Register

Content Planning: New Season, Fresh Marketing

(M) May 12 | 5:30 — 7:30 p.m. | Main Library

Welcome in a new season feeling ready to engage with your audience! This class will guide you through developing a content plan you can adapt throughout the year for various marketing efforts.

Register

Grantseeking Tools for Nonprofits

(W) May 14 | 10:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Main Library

Get a bite-sized overview on how to find a funder who aligns with your nonprofit's mission.

Register

Media Relations for Small Businesses & Nonprofits

(Th) May 22 | 10 a.m. — noon | Main Library

Did you know that press releases can improve brand visibility by nearly 70%? In this class, learn effective media relations strategies that will positively impact your organization.

Register

Nonprofit Essentials: Introduction to Proposal Writing

(W) May 28 | 2 — 3:30 p.m. | Main Library

Learn how to build the foundation of a solid nonprofit grant proposal.

Register

Ask a Patent/Copyright/Trademark Attorney

(Th) June 5 | 7 — 7:30 p.m. | Online Programs

Attorneys will provide an overview and explain the differences between patents, trademarks and copyright, and be available to answer your questions. Please register to have your zoom link.

Register

Grantseeking Tools for Nonprofits

(W) July 9 | 10:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Main Library

Get a bite-sized overview on how to find a funder who aligns with your nonprofit's mission.

Register

Ask a Patent/Copyright/Trademark Attorney

(Th) August 7 | 7 — 7:30 p.m. | Online Programs

Attorneys will provide an overview and explain the differences between patents, trademarks and copyright, and be available to answer your questions. Please register to have your zoom link.

Register

Nonprofit Essentials: Introduction to Proposal Writing

(W) August 13 | 2 — 3:30 p.m. | Main Library

Learn how to build the foundation of a solid nonprofit grant proposal.

Register

Ask a Patent/Copyright/Trademark Attorney

(Th) September 4 | 7 — 7:30 p.m. | Online Programs

Attorneys will provide an overview and explain the differences between patents, trademarks and copyright, and be available to answer your questions. Please register to have your zoom link.

Register

Grantseeking Tools for Nonprofits

(W) September 10 | 10:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Main Library

Get a bite-sized overview on how to find a funder who aligns with your nonprofit's mission.

Register

Ask a Patent/Copyright/Trademark Attorney

(Th) October 2 | 7 — 7:30 p.m. | Online Programs

Attorneys will provide an overview and explain the differences between patents, trademarks and copyright, and be available to answer your questions. Please register to have your zoom link.

Register

Nonprofit Essentials: Introduction to Proposal Writing

(W) October 8 | 2 — 3:30 p.m. | Main Library

Learn how to build the foundation of a solid nonprofit grant proposal.

Register

Ask a Patent/Copyright/Trademark Attorney

(Th) November 6 | 7 — 7:30 p.m. | Online Programs

Attorneys will provide an overview and explain the differences between patents, trademarks and copyright, and be available to answer your questions. Please register to have your zoom link.

Register

Grantseeking Tools for Nonprofits

(W) November 12 | 10:30 — 11:30 a.m. | Main Library

Get a bite-sized overview on how to find a funder who aligns with your nonprofit's mission.

Register

Ask a Patent/Copyright/Trademark Attorney

(Th) December 4 | 7 — 7:30 p.m. | Online Programs

Attorneys will provide an overview and explain the differences between patents, trademarks and copyright, and be available to answer your questions. Please register to have your zoom link.

Register

2023-09-28T17:21:57+00:00

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.

Learn More
2023-10-30T13:23:03+00:00

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.

Learn More