
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 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.
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
- Government Funding:
- Private Funding:
- Foundation Directory Online*
- Greater Toledo Community Foundation
- Foundation Center’s Request for Proposals
- Grantmakers.io
- * Available only inside Library locations.
- Nonprofit management resources
- Starting a nonprofit 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
- AARP Small Business Resource Center
- Grow with Google
- NAICS – North American Industrial Classification System-Look up
- Sample Business Plans
Business Associations and Local Chambers of Commerce
- Anthony Wayne Regional Chamber of Commerce
- Eastern Maumee Bay Chamber of Commerce
- Holland-Springfield Chamber of Commerce
- Maumee Chamber of Commerce
- Northwest Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- Oregon Economic Development Foundation
- Sylvania Area Chamber of Commerce
- Toledo African American Chamber of Commerce
- Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce
- Waterville Area Chamber of Commerce
Local resources
- The Arts Commission
- Assets Toledo
- Center for Innovative Food Technology
- City of Toledo – Economic Development
- ECDI
- JumpStart
- LISC
- Lucas County Business Services
- Lucas County Health Department
- Minority Business Assistance Center
- Northwest Ohio SCORE
- Ohio MSDC
- Patent Trademark Resource Center
- Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority
- Toledo Small Business Development Center
- Women of Toledo
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
- Patent: USPTO.gov
- Trademark: USPTO.gov
- Copyright: Copyright.gov
Free Monthly Resource:
Ask a Patent/Trademark/Copyright Attorney is every FIRST Thursday 7 p.m. Offered online.
Additional quick links:
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.
One Year Action Plan for Success
(Sa) March 1 | 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.
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.
Ask a Patent/Copyright/Trademark Attorney
(Th) March 6 | 7 — 8:30 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.
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.
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.
Media Relations for Small Businesses & Nonprofits
(Tu) March 18 | 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.
Minding Your Own Business: Business Bookkeeping
(Sa) March 22 | 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. | Main Library
Managing your business finances.
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.
Ask a Patent/Copyright/Trademark Attorney
(Th) April 3 | 7 — 8:30 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.
Introduction to Fundraising Planning
(W) April 9 | 10:30 a.m. — noon | Main Library
Learn the essential strategies and tactics needed for developing your organization's fundraising plan.
Business Book Summaries
Provides concise yet comprehensive summaries of the best business books. Summaries also available in Chinese, French, German and Spanish.
Business Source Premier
Resource for business, including management, economics, finance, accounting, international business and more with full-text journals. Self-guided video
D&B Hoovers
Allows the user to gain a deeper understanding of market opportunities and make informed decisions by analyzing data from a wide variety of sources.
Foundation Directory Online
Information on U.S. Foundations providing up-to-date funding knowledge and insight on the social sector to fuel any fundraising mission. Only available inside the Library. Self-guided video
Gale Business Plan Builder
Step-by-step guide to creating and completing a business plan, entrepreneurial interests, opportunities, the nonprofit sector, and how to grow and position your business for long-term success. Self-guided video
Gale eBooks
Access books and publications within arts, biography, business, education, the environment, history, LGBTQ, medicine, multicultural studies, race, and civil rights. Self-guided video
Gale Legal Forms
Downloadable Ohio legal forms covering hundreds of legal subjects and issues. Many forms offered in Spanish. Self-guided video
LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning offers unlimited access to courses in business, technology, creative, engineering, time management, computer skills, data analysis, and programming / development. Using the LinkedIn Learning app: iOS or Android First time app: OH0215 Self-guided video
Mergent Archives
Contains reports and documents from and on global companies and corporate industry (industrial, transportation, public utility, OTC).
Mergent Intellect
Access private and public U.S. and international business data, industry news, executive contact information, residential data, demographics, and consumer data.
Plunkett Research Online
Offers business intelligence, industry trends, market research, stats, leads, plus company contacts for over 30 different major industries and tips for job seekers.
Reference Solutions
Find new business opportunities, executives, companies, news articles, job searches, research papers, addresses, phone numbers, and market research. Self-guided video
Regional Business News
Contains full-text articles from 75 journals, newspapers and newswires about businesses from across the U.S.
Small Business Source
Watch videos and browse sources on a variety of business areas from accounting to marketing to operations. Includes eBooks from NOLO guides on small business topics. Self-guided video