Library District Awarded Federal Grant to Support Local Business Training
PROSPER Grant Will Provide Tools and Training for Rural Residents
The Yavapai County Free Library District has partnered with SBDC, NACOG, & SCORE creating a broader outreach effort to push forward economic growth.
"Realizing the expanding role of libraries in our rural communities, the Library District met with the Yavapai County Economic Resource Alliance to provide new economic development opportunities in Yavapai County. As a result of that meeting, the Library District sought funding from the Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records for grant funding to partner with SCORE, the SBDC, and NACOG to provide training opportunities to our businesses in our rural communities. The grant was fully funded, and we are deeply grateful to the State Library and our partners to provide this expanded service to the current and aspiring business owners throughout rural Yavapai County." - Corey Christians, Library District Director
The grant, P.R.O.S.P.E.R.: Preparing, Researching, Organizing, Selecting, and Promoting Entrepreneurial Resources, will provide online and on-site training in each community where the Library District has a branch providing direct support to interested residents. Beginning July 2022 through August 2023 all 15 Library District Branches will offer current and aspiring business owners access to mentors, monthly training sessions, and online training courses through Udemy, Gale Business Builder, & Gale Business Entrepreneur. All Library District branches have Chromebooks and Hotspots available for residents to checkout to complete the online training from their own home.
P.R.O.S.P.E.R. aims to increase the viability and success of businesses established in rural areas by creating a support network for business owners in areas where few currently exist.
Yavapai County residents interested in the program are encouraged to answer the business training interest survey.
This project is supported by the Arizona State Library, Archives & Records, a division of the Secretary of State, with federal funds from the Institute of Museum & Library Services.
