The Mid-Continent Public Library is gearing up to offer a comprehensive lineup of services and programs aimed at small business owners.The initiative, which is being called Square One Small Business Services, is being funded by a grant from the Kauffman Foundation.

“The library is about more than providing help for people going to school; it is also a place for people starting and growing a small business,” said Steven V. Potter, the Mid-Continent Public Library’s director and CEO. “Square One Small Business Services bring people together at a place where they have all the resources they need in an environment where they can knuckle down and make their enterprise a success.”

Starting April 8, various Mid-Continent Public Library branches will begin offering classes that help aspiring entrepreneurs evaluate their ideas, prepare to launch their own businesses and master useful skills such as social media marketing.

The library also plans to collaborate with the Ennovation Center of Independence and the KC Food Truck Association on a six-week course on the business of food trucks. Brandon Simpson, the owner Jazzy B’s Bar-B-Que, will lead the program, which kicks off April 23 with a panel discussion featuring stories from other food truck owners.

The Mid-Continent Public Library also plans other events for later in the year, such as a half-day boot camp on July 24 and a Nov. 20 panel with local microbrewers, led by Pete Dulin, author of “KC Ale Trail.”

The library also employs experts on small business who can assist entrepreneurs. Call or email Morgan Perry at (816) 848.4489 or mperry@mymcpl.org to access those services.

For more information about Square One Small Business Services, visit this website.