Small Business Resources

The library gathers research tools, online resources and impactful referrals to the local agencies you’ll work with as you create, implement, maintain, and grow your small business.

Research Sites

These sites can be accessed using your library card.

Small Business Source
Business basics, start-up kits, business plans and information on business industries. Contains full PDF content of several NOLO instructive books for entrepreneurs. Research material available for every facet of Small Business.

A to Z Databases
A to Z databases is a directory and marketing database that includes 30 million businesses and 220 million residents. It is ideal for sales leads, mailing lists, market research, job searches and finding friends and relatives.

View more business and investing databases.

Topeka and Shawnee County Business Resources

Washburn Small Business Development Center
Works with entrepreneurs to start, learn about and grow their small business.

Go Topeka Small Business Resources
Includes incentives and classes.

SCORE
A program that offers free mentorship, programs, and workshops for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Local mentors are included the Greater Wichita area of SCORE.

Licenses in the City of Topeka
Discover the regulations for having a business license within the city.

KTWU Working Capital 
A business television show produced by KTWU that features local and regional businesses with a focus on entrepreneurship, education, inspiration and professional development.

Kansas Business Resources

Kansas Business One Stop
One-stop-shop for interacting with Kansas government. Learn how to organize a business, locate information and resources needed to start or maintain a business, and more. 

Kansas State Data Center
Includes the annual Kansas Statistical Abstract, regional data portal, network partners, and County Profile Reports including for Shawnee County.

Federal Business Resources

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. Provides resource guides to start and expand your business.