Loveland Library Teams Up with Business Development Center to Support Local Entrepreneurs
The Loveland Public Library and the Loveland Business Development Center have formed a partnership to provide free business resources and guidance to local entrepreneurs, offering services ranging from one-on-one advising to access to market research databases.
The collaboration combines the LBDC's expertise in business planning and strategic guidance with the library's research tools and meeting spaces, creating a comprehensive support system for new and growing businesses in Loveland. Entrepreneurs can access services including financial forecasting, market research, and connections to development partners such as The Warehouse.
"The goal is for every entrepreneur to walk away feeling confident, prepared, and motivated to move forward," according to the partnership announcement from the City of Loveland.
Free Access to Premium Research Tools
One of the partnership's most valuable offerings is access to Data Axle, a market research platform that typically costs businesses hundreds of dollars monthly. The tool allows entrepreneurs to build targeted marketing lists and create heatmaps showing industry saturation in specific areas. The City of Loveland underwrites access to this resource, making it available to library patrons at no cost.
The library also provides dedicated meeting spaces for business consultations, branding tools through its Makerspace, and a curated selection of books covering topics like leadership, financial planning, and capital acquisition.
How the Advising Process Works
During typical one-hour advising sessions, LBDC advisors work with clients to understand their business ideas and surrounding context. Each session concludes with a detailed action plan, clear next steps, and a customized list of resources tailored to the entrepreneur's specific needs.
The LBDC team brings expertise in relationship building, data analysis, and strategic planning to help guide clients through the complex process of starting a small business. Services include assistance with business plan development, financial projections, and connecting entrepreneurs with other local resources.
Regional Business Support Context
The LBDC operates as an independent business development center, having transitioned away from formal affiliation with Colorado's state Small Business Development Center network in 2015. This local model allows for closer integration with city resources and community partnerships.
While Fort Collins and Greeley offer state-affiliated SBDC services with formalized loan programs and larger business incubators, Loveland's approach emphasizes the unique combination of library resources with business counseling. The partnership provides entrepreneurs access to advanced market research tools and facilities that might incur significant costs in other communities.
Startup costs for new businesses in Loveland remain competitive with regional standards. The city does not require a general business license for most operations, though specific regulated industries need appropriate permits. Commercial development fees for small projects typically start around $1,387, while water tap fees range from $15,100 to $22,650 depending on the project scale.
Getting Started
Entrepreneurs interested in accessing these services can visit lovelandbusiness.com/advising to view a small business checklist and schedule an appointment. The checklist helps both advisors and clients prepare for productive consulting sessions.
The partnership represents part of Loveland's broader economic development strategy, which has evolved since the 1950s through various iterations of business support organizations. Current efforts focus on removing barriers for local entrepreneurs while providing practical tools and guidance needed to launch successful ventures.
Business owners can access the services whether they are beginning their entrepreneurial journey or looking to expand existing operations. The collaboration aims to provide ongoing support throughout different stages of business development.