Small Business & Side Hustles 2023

Nearly a quarter of US consumers (23%) are considering starting a new business in 2024, according to findings from the Entrepreneurship in 2024 Report commissioned by Intuit QuickBooks in December 2023. Over 4,500 respondents on a survey say business ownership is a better way to build personal wealth in 2024 than buying a home. If you are one of the 23% of consumers starting a business or if you already have a business and are working on improvements, the Library can help!

"Niche" is the name of the game! For December, we spoke with small business owner Noel Michael, CEO of Bello Boopie, Inc., who shared his insights on owning a niche business. Bello Boopie's humble beginnings began in 1970 with the establishment of Things Very Special, an appointment-only, home-based business. When the business changed ownership in 2015, Things Very Special went under a major transformation.

In November, we're thinking about "Black Friday" and how you can leverage it and other big shopping days this holiday season to boost your retail sales. What deals are you offering at your small business? Are you offering your products for sale online? Are you promoting your small business during Small Business Saturday? With free resources from the Library, you can learn everything from how to build a small business website with Shopify or how to start a side hustle by selling on Amazon or Etsy. We also have some community partners offering some great workshops for anyone thinking of starting up a new business!

It's fall, y'all! With October comes cooler temperatures and probably thoughts of pumpkin spice pancakes and muffins! It's fitting then, that this month, we were able to speak with the owners of Cool Moose Café, a Riverside staple since the summer of 1998. They talk about what it's like owning a business and what advice they'd give to their fellow entrepreneurs.

This month, we're talking food trucks and there is no one better to answer our questions than Chef Andrew Ferenc of On The Fly Sandwiches & Stuff Food Truck. Voted "Best Food Truck" in Folio's Best of Jax poll (2012) and Jax Truckies Food Truck Champion & People's Choice Winner (2012), On The Fly Food Truck has been serving Jacksonville residents since 2011.

Did you know July 16 is National Workaholics Day? This month, we take a step back from the traditional business books and resources and take a look at helping ourselves. Conquer self-doubt and learn how to feel more balanced, motivated and passionate about your work and life with free courses taught by other small business owners.

Is 2023 the year you... Make your hobby a side hustle? Start your own business? Or work on taking your business to the next level? This month is all about building and leading a diverse team and harnessing the strengths of being an outsider. We asked a local business owner a few questions. Plus, we've highlighted some books and other resources to help you out! 

Is 2023 the year you... Make your hobby a side hustle? Start your own business? Or work on taking your business to the next level? In May, we're looking at the University of North Florida's Small Business Development Center (Florida SBDC) and the management, marketing and other assistance they provide for free to prospective and existing small business owners in North Florida. In June, they're hosting two Life Lit small business workshops at the Library!

Is 2023 the year you... Make your hobby a side hustle? Start your own business? Or work on taking your business to the next level? In April, we're looking at franchises. Is your business ready to expand? Or are you thinking about buying into a franchise? We have some books and other resources you should check out! 

It's 2023! Is this the year you... Make your hobby a side hustle? Start your own business? Or work on taking your business to the next level? This month's featured titles are full of practical advice and inspirational guides designed to help you achieve your goals — whether you're a #GirlBoss opening the door for future generations, a fledgling entrepreneur building your business, or a woman in the workforce looking to stand out.