Small Business & Side Hustles 2023

Do you have a crafty side hustle? Or are you thinking about turning your hobby into a small business? Each year, October kicks off the Fall Festival Season and with it, an influx of craft fairs and booths. In their article “How To Start Selling at Craft Fairs and Shows” on August 18, 2024, Indeed suggests visiting some fairs and observing the popular booths. Ask yourself: What does the booth look like? How is the booth organized? What types of crafts do they sell? How expensive are their items? Where do they place their more costly items? How do they greet potential customers?

While May is Small Business Month, November is pretty BIG for small businesses, too. First, there's Small Business Saturday on November 30 and this year marks the 15th anniversary! It's a great way for your customers and community to show their support - and get a much needed financial injection at the end of the year. This year's theme is: "One Day Makes a Difference." What else could you do this month to make a difference in your small business?

Did you know? September, October, and November are three of the most productive months of the year for business? Whether your business is headed into its fourth quarter, or you're getting ready to launch your business, now is an excellent time to think about the website you use for your business.

August is back-to-school month here in Florida. Learning isn't just for the littles, though! As a small business owner or someone who's thinking about starting a small business, there are things you need to know, too! The public library is a great place to learn. Can't afford a college course? No problem! The best back-to-school supply that you or your kids could want is a Jacksonville Public Library card. Bonus: you don't have to wait for a tax-free holiday to pick one up! They're always free!

The use of zip codes as we know them started on July 1, 1963. Why is this string of numbers important to your business? The Library has many free tools like Data Axle Reference Solutions to help you with demographic research, small business marketing, and more. Read this month's Small Business & Side Hustles newsletter to learn how to conduct your own market research!

According to the U. S. Small Business Administration, a business plan is a strategic tool that shapes the trajectory of your business over the next 3-5 years. It's a written guide that outlines how your business will generate revenue and expand. The library provides a wealth of databases to support your business planning. This month, we're featuring the Business Plan Handbook Series available through GALE as well as some helpful books and LinkedIn Learning courses.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has dubbed May "Small Business Month" - a time to celebrate the courage and hard work of small business owners across the United States and recognize everything small businesses do for their communities!

Spring is the time to grow new ideas! Are you ready to start a new side hustle or grow your existing business? The "Small Business and Side Hustles" Library U newsletter connects you to Library and community resources and programs to help you get started!

Twyla Prindle is the founder of Kash Kids, Inc. and author of more than a dozen financial literacy books for kids. Her best-known work is Where Is My Money? She is one of North Florida’s leading advocates for teaching children financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills. Twyla hopes to inspire children to become financially independent adults and future entrepreneurs.

February is Black History Month and Small Business and Side Hustles has some advice from a local small business owner. Twyla Prindle is the founder of Kash Kids, Inc. and author of more than a dozen financial literacy books for kids. Her best-known work is Where Is My Money? She is one of North Florida’s leading advocates for teaching children financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills.