Connecticut public libraries are proving to be a vital player in helping businesses and entrepreneurs access information and services to help them succeed. Now there is another good reason for local small business professionals to stop by the local library.

On Tuesday, June 23, C.H. Booth Library will launch its Virtual Small Business Development Center with a special business open house, “Grow Your Business.”

The event will run from 8:30 to 9:30 am in the meeting room of the library, 25 Main Street. 

Nelson Merchan, a business advisor for the Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC), and Newtown Economic Development Coordinator Betsy Paynter will be on hand to help participants connect to the many resources in this area for business owners.

Mr Merchan will provide a demonstration of the Virtual Small Business Development Center (Virtual SBDC), which enables clients to access their CTSBDC business advisor via the Internet in real time face-to-face conversations. Clients can have a “virtual” meeting, without the need for either client or advisor to travel distances.

The program allows clients to share documents, work on applications for funding, and update progress, all with the security required to ensure confidentiality.

CTSBDC will provide a laptop to 27 participating libraries, including C.H. Booth Library, which the libraries will make available on a scheduled basis.

“The Virtual CTSBDC program enables us to serve more clients in a more productive way,” said Emily Carter, state director of the CTSBDC. “Some of our clients do not have access to the Internet, or may need to meet us somewhere other than their home or office. This program provides all the functionality of meetings, but without the travel, in a supportive environment.”

“The C.H. Booth Library has always served as an economic development engine, supporting job seekers, entrepreneurs and business owners with many different types of resources,” said Booth Library Director Brenda McKinley. “We are thrilled to be a connection for our patrons to the added resources available through the CTSBDC. The library is committed to continue supporting our patrons and the work of Newtown’s Economic Development Coordinator and area business groups in any way that we can to keep Newtown growing.”

CTSBDC approached the Connecticut Library Consortium (CLC) at the suggestion of its project manager, The Business Council of Fairfield County. CLC immediately saw the value of adding another useful tool to libraries’ already significant resources for businesses.

CTSBDC and CLC are both hoping this new project will draw community support to enable it to be expanded to any library in Connecticut. As an economic development tool, it is a low-cost way to assist small businesses to grow and create opportunities throughout the state.

Virtual CTSBDC is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development and the University of Connecticut.

Reservations are not needed for the event, and light refreshments will be served.

Because the business open house will be taking place before the library opens for business, those attending are asked to use the building's lower rear parking lot and entrance to gain access to the meeting room.

For additional information call the library at 203-426-4533 or Newtown EDC office at 203-270-4281.