What can small business owners from Seattle and Minneapolis learn from each other? On Wednesday, Oct. 11, entrepreneurs from the two cities will come together at The Seattle Public Library’s Central Library to explore that question through a free half-day learning and networking event. 

Titled “A Tale of Two Cities: Entrepreneurial Ecosystems that Innovate, Advocate and Collaborate in Seattle and Minneapolis,” the event will feature panel discussions highlighting stories of collaboration, success, support and economic development, as well as a business resource open house.

“With similar sizes, demographics and economic conditions, our two metro areas have a lot to learn from each other,” said Jay Lyman, the Library’s supervising librarian for the Library to Business program. “If you are a small business owner, advocate or resource provider, please join us for this dual-city discussion!”
             

HOW TO REGISTER

“A Tale of Two Cities” will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 11 in person at the Central Library, as well as virtually. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. The virtual event will include language translations on Zoom, along with American Sign Language and live captioning. Here is the schedule:

  • From 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Panel discussions will feature speakers on topics such as adapting to a changing marketplace, cooperative business models and building a more inclusive urban economy. In person at the Central Library Level 1 Microsoft Auditorium or online via Zoom.
  • From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Join us for a Business Resource Open House where small business owners can connect with organizations that support small businesses in Seattle, including Seattle SCORE, Ventures, Communities Rise, Seattle Office of Economic Development, El Centro de la Raza. In person only at the Central Library’s Washington Mutual Foundation Meeting Room located on Level 4 in Room 1.

The Seattle Public Library’s partners for the event include Beacon Business Alliance, Cambodian American Community Council of Washington (CACCWA), Engaging Virtual Meetings, Fiscal Finesse, Hennepin County Library (HCL) and We Sparkle. 

“A Tale of Two Cities” will coincide with the Entrepreneur Expo in Minneapolis. In Seattle, join us after the event for the Intentionalist Small Business Community Champion Awards, held in person at the Central Library’s Level 1 Microsoft Auditorium from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

MORE INFORMATION 

The Library gives everyone the opportunity to learn and excel. The Seattle Public Library offers valuable business programs and services that are free for the public to access, including one-on-one appointments at www.spl.org/BusinessAppointments.

Contact the Library’s Ask Us service by phone at 206-386-4636 or by email or chat at www.spl.org/Ask. Staff are ready to answer questions and direct you to helpful resources and information.