Entrepreneurs and business owners in the Kingston area are now presented with a valuable opportunity to enhance their skills through a series of free business workshops. This initiative stems from a collaborative effort between the Kingston Frontenac Public Library (KFPL) and the Kingston Economic Development Corporation (KEDC).
The workshops, conducted monthly, cover two essential aspects: “Improving Your Digital Presence,” led by Sara Giraldo Hoyos, Digital Business Advisor at Kingston Economic Development, held on the first Tuesday of each month, and “Exploring Entrepreneurship,” guided by Norman Musengimana, Business Development Manager of Start-up & Entrepreneurship at Kingston Economic Development, held on the last Thursday of every month.
While the partnership was officially announced on January 3, 2024, Nour Mazloum, Marketing & Communications Manager for Kingston Economic Development, revealed to Kingstonist that the workshops had already commenced in December 2023. The collaboration between KFPL and KEDC aims to make educational opportunities more accessible to the community.
The idea for this collaboration emerged in discussions initiated by Donna Gillespie from KEDC with Max Manga, the Teen & New Adult Services Librarian at KFPL. The collaboration began with the creation of a curated reading list about business and entrepreneurship books. Eventually, the concept expanded to include in-person workshops at library spaces.
The monthly workshops cater to individuals interested in entrepreneurship and businesses looking to enhance their digital literacy. Topics covered in these sessions are deemed essential for navigating today’s business landscape, encompassing business planning, digital marketing strategies, financial management, and technological advancements.
Notably, a library card is not a prerequisite for attendance, and free registration is available on the Kingston Economic Development events page. The collaborative effort is seen as a step towards expanding access to knowledge and skills development, fostering a community that thrives on knowledge and opportunity.
Rob Tamblyn, Business Development Manager of Small & Medium Enterprises at Kingston Economic Development, expressed gratitude to KFPL for making the sessions more accessible and inclusive for entrepreneurs and small business owners. The collaboration aims to create an environment where businesses can interact, building a stronger sense of community.
The library’s business books section will now feature a collection curated by the Kingston Economic Development team, providing valuable resources for fostering entrepreneurial growth. Max Manga of KFPL envisions the workshops not only enhancing business skills but also creating a public space for KEDC experts to engage with the community and for small businesses to connect with each other. The collaboration is seen as a joint effort to build a stronger community in Kingston and Frontenac County.
