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Start Smart: Set Your Business Up to Grow
2026-09-19 11:00:00 2026-09-19 14:00:00 America/Chicago Start Smart: Set Your Business Up to Grow Starting a business or recently launched one? Learn how to build the right foundation for a strong business. Central Library - Business Commons, Gift of Schoenleber Foundation and Elaine C. Lange

Saturday, September 19
11:00am - 2:00pm

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Central Library

Business Commons, Gift of Schoenleber Foundation and Elaine C. Lange

Starting a business or recently launched one? Learn how to build the right foundation for a strong business.

Join MPL and the Wisconsin Chinese Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) for Stage 1 of our Know Your Business series, a practical working session designed to help entrepreneurs become more organized, credible, financially prepared, and ready to grow.

Participants will explore:

  • Business setup and structure
  • Legal considerations
  • Business banking
  • Tax and accounting basics
  • Insurance considerations
  • Business strategy
  • Small-business resources and support

Participants will receive an electronic Start Smart Toolkit with practical worksheets, checklists, planning tools, and a 30-Day Start Smart Action Plan to keep moving forward after the workshop.

Free and open to all!

AGE GROUP: | Older Adults | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Business/Entrepreneurship |

TAGS: | |

Central Library
Phone: 414-286-3235
Branch manager
Timothy Fluhr
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Today's hours

We're open 10:00AM to 6:00PM

Mon, Aug 31 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Tue, Sep 01 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Wed, Sep 02 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Thu, Sep 03 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Fri, Sep 04 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Sep 05 Closed
(Labor Day Weekend)
Sun, Sep 06 Closed
(Labor Day Weekend)
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Upcoming Events

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Great Lakes Small Streams - How Water Shapes Wisconsin
Fri, Sep 04, All day
Main Street - First Floor
Wisconsin Historical Society's traveling display "Great Lakes Small Streams: How Water Shapes Wisconsin" explores our state's long relationship with water & the impact we've had on our vast waterways.
Story Time and Play Group
Tue, Sep 08, 10:30am - 11:15am
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
A 20-minute story time for young children is followed by open play time. For children ages 3 and under, with a caregiver.
Tech-splanation @ MPL
Tue, Sep 08, 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Business Commons, Gift of Schoenleber Foundation and Elaine C. Lange - Collaboration Table #2
Do you have a question about your smartphone, tablet, or other electronic device? Need help accessing library resources? We can help! 
Monthly Makers
Tue, Sep 08, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
Calling all makers and artists! Do you love creating? Want to try to learn a new skill but don't know where to start? Join us for a monthly maker session to try a new creative outlet each month!
Central Library Walking Club
Wed, Sep 09, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Join us at Central library for a weekly walk. We will meet under the dome of the Central Library and take a two-mile loop through this historic neighborhood. The club meets rain or shine.
Green Roof Tour
Wed, Sep 09, 12:30pm - 1:00pm
Green Roof
Enjoy a tour of the library's Green Roof!
Teen Hangout Hour!
Wed, Sep 09, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Young Adult Area
Need help with book recommendations or want a space to decompress? Stop by the teen zone for Teen Hangout Hour!
Builder's Club
Wed, Sep 09, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Children's Room - Back Area
Come build with us! We'll supply a variety of building materials and you'll bring the creativity. Meet friends and see what you can create together.
Story Time
Thu, Sep 10, 10:30am - 11:00am
Children's Story Steps
Young children and their caregivers are invited to story time filled with fun stories, songs, and finger plays designed to help little ones develop important early literacy skills.
Chair Yoga - Yoga Class Suitable For People Of All Abilities
Thu, Sep 10, 10:30am - 11:30am
Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room
Join us at the beautiful Central Library for yoga and fellowship. Registration is encouraged. Walk-ins welcome.
Baby Story Time
Thu, Sep 10, 11:00am - 11:20am
Children's Room - Back Area
Share simple stories, playful songs and gentle movement in this lapsit story time for babies aged 0-18 months, with a caregiver.
Job Search and Resume Assistance - Provided by Goodwill Workforce Connection Center
Thu, Sep 10, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Main Street - Second Floor
A Goodwill Consultant will be available to provide job search assistance, resume-building help, and interview preparation.
Downtown Bike Ride - with Wisconsin Bike Fed and Bublr Bikes
Thu, Sep 10, 5:45pm - 7:00pm
Unwind after work with a relaxing social bike ride. We'll explore downtown on purpose-built cycling infrastructure in a safe group setting.
Fall 2026 Friends of MPL Used Book Sale
Fri, Sep 11, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Other - See description for location
Sponsored and staffed by The Friends of the MPL volunteers, the very popular quarterly Book Sales feature thousands of books marked down to bargain prices.
Friday Films
Fri, Sep 11, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Chinese Room
Visit Central Library's Media Room for pop-up film showings Friday afternoons. Stay a while and browse Central Media's huge selection of DVDs, vinyl records, and CDs.
Fall 2026 Friends of MPL Used Book Sale
Sat, Sep 12, 9:00am - 4:00pm
Other - See description for location
Sponsored and staffed by The Friends of the MPL volunteers, the very popular quarterly Book Sales feature thousands of books marked down to bargain prices.
Family Play and Learn - Veterinarian
Sat, Sep 12, 10:30am - 11:30am
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
Pretend to be a vet by taking temperatures, giving medicine, and caring for our animal friends. Bring your own stuffie if you would like.
Know Your Health - Navigating Healthcare in the AI Era
Sat, Sep 12, 11:00am - 2:00pm
Business Commons, Gift of Schoenleber Foundation and Elaine C. Lange
A community health conversation bringing together trusted health and industry experts to share practical knowledge, answer questions, and offer perspectives on how AI may influence healthcare.
Central Library Architectural Tour
Sat, Sep 12, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Central Library Tours
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Central Library has many significant architectural features. Join a Docent Tour Guide as they share the splendor of Central Library's past!
Green Roof Tour
Sat, Sep 12, 1:30pm - 2:00pm
Green Roof
Enjoy a tour of the library's Green Roof!
Job Search and Resume Assistance - Provided by Goodwill Workforce Connection Center
Mon, Sep 14, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
A Goodwill Consultant will be available to provide job search assistance, resume-building help, and interview preparation.
Afternoon Adventures
Mon, Sep 14, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center,Children's Room - Back Area
Adventure Awaits! Join us every Monday as we explore fun books, perform cool experiments, create together, and more!
Cozy Crafting
Mon, Sep 14, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Frank P. Zeidler Humanities Room
Get comfy, craft, and meet up with friends and neighbors at Central Library!
Story Time and Play Group
Tue, Sep 15, 10:30am - 11:15am
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
A 20-minute story time for young children is followed by open play time. For children ages 3 and under, with a caregiver.
National Voter Registration Day Mini-Carnival
Tue, Sep 15, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Mozart's Grove
Register to vote, make sure your registration is current, and enjoy a celebratory mocktail at this annual celebration of democracy in action!
National Voter Registration Day - With The League of Women Voters
Tue, Sep 15, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Other - See description for location
Celebrate National Voter Registration Day at Milwaukee Public Library by registering to vote with the League of Women Voters!
Advance Legal and Medical Directives - part of the Planning Ahead Series
Tue, Sep 15, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
Learn about advance legal and medical directives.
Hidden Chapter Book Club - Nobody wants your Sh*t by Messie Condo
Tue, Sep 15, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Old Board Room,Other - See description for location
The Hidden Chapter Book Club gathers monthly to read, sip, and discover. We'll discuss Nobody Wants Your Sh*t by Messie Condo and explore the Library's dome.
Help for Homeless Veterans - with the VA HCHV Outreach Program
Wed, Sep 16, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Other - See description for location
A coordinator from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Program will provide Veterans with information on resources and programs.
Central Library Walking Club
Wed, Sep 16, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Join us at Central library for a weekly walk. We will meet under the dome of the Central Library and take a two-mile loop through this historic neighborhood. The club meets rain or shine.
Green Roof Tour
Wed, Sep 16, 12:30pm - 1:00pm
Green Roof
Enjoy a tour of the library's Green Roof!
Aurora Mobile Health Clinic
Wed, Sep 16, 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Mozart's Grove
Your health matters. Come talk to us! Aurora Mobile Health is providing free health services at Milwaukee Public Library Central Library for community members.
Housing Help - Homeless Outreach with Milwaukee County Coordinated Entry
Wed, Sep 16, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Other - See description for location
Meet with a member of Milwaukee County Coordinated Entry team and get connected to street, shelter and/or housing resources.
Teen Hangout Hour!
Wed, Sep 16, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Young Adult Area
Need help with book recommendations or want a space to decompress? Stop by the teen zone for Teen Hangout Hour!
Builder's Club
Wed, Sep 16, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Children's Room - Back Area
Come build with us! We'll supply a variety of building materials and you'll bring the creativity. Meet friends and see what you can create together.
Chair Yoga - Yoga Class Suitable For People Of All Abilities
Thu, Sep 17, 10:30am - 11:30am
Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room
Join us at the beautiful Central Library for yoga and fellowship. Registration is encouraged. Walk-ins welcome.
Story Time
Thu, Sep 17, 10:30am - 11:00am
Children's Story Steps
Young children and their caregivers are invited to story time filled with fun stories, songs, and finger plays designed to help little ones develop important early literacy skills.
Baby Story Time
Thu, Sep 17, 11:00am - 11:20am
Children's Room - Back Area
Share simple stories, playful songs and gentle movement in this lapsit story time for babies aged 0-18 months, with a caregiver.
Job Search and Resume Assistance - Provided by Goodwill Workforce Connection Center
Thu, Sep 17, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Main Street - Second Floor
A Goodwill Consultant will be available to provide job search assistance, resume-building help, and interview preparation.
Medicare Preventive Services
Thu, Sep 17, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
Join us to find out more about the free services available through Medicare.
Big Family Playdate - A really big day for little kids!
Sat, Sep 19, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Children's Room
Play, read, build, move, imagine and explore together at the library.
Start Smart: Set Your Business Up to Grow
Sat, Sep 19, 11:00am - 2:00pm
Business Commons, Gift of Schoenleber Foundation and Elaine C. Lange
Starting a business or recently launched one? Learn how to build the right foundation for a strong business.
Register
Central Library Architectural Tour
Sat, Sep 19, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Central Library Tours
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Central Library has many significant architectural features. Join a Docent Tour Guide as they share the splendor of Central Library's past!
Green Roof Tour
Sat, Sep 19, 1:30pm - 2:00pm
Green Roof
Enjoy a tour of the library's Green Roof!
Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services
Mon, Sep 21, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Other - See description for location
Community Access to Recovery Services (CARS) specializes in helping Milwaukee County residents get connected with resources to support those living with a mental health and substance use disorder.
Treasures of the Great Lakes - The EASTLAND Story, Speaker Todd Gordon
Mon, Sep 21, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room
Built in 1903, the EASTLAND capsized in the Chicago River on July 24, 1915, resulting in the largest loss of life in Great Lakes shipping history. This is her story.
Job Search and Resume Assistance - Provided by Goodwill Workforce Connection Center
Mon, Sep 21, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
A Goodwill Consultant will be available to provide job search assistance, resume-building help, and interview preparation.
Afternoon Adventures
Mon, Sep 21, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center,Children's Room - Back Area
Adventure Awaits! Join us every Monday as we explore fun books, perform cool experiments, create together, and more!
Story Time and Play Group
Tue, Sep 22, 10:30am - 11:15am
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
A 20-minute story time for young children is followed by open play time. For children ages 3 and under, with a caregiver.
Tech-splanation @ MPL
Tue, Sep 22, 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Business Commons, Gift of Schoenleber Foundation and Elaine C. Lange - Collaboration Table #2
Do you have a question about your smartphone, tablet, or other electronic device? Need help accessing library resources? We can help! 
MPL Board Meeting
Tue, Sep 22, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room
Library Board of Trustees Meeting
Central Library Walking Club
Wed, Sep 23, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Join us at Central library for a weekly walk. We will meet under the dome of the Central Library and take a two-mile loop through this historic neighborhood. The club meets rain or shine.
Green Roof Tour
Wed, Sep 23, 12:30pm - 1:00pm
Green Roof
Enjoy a tour of the library's Green Roof!
Teen Hangout Hour!
Wed, Sep 23, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Young Adult Area
Need help with book recommendations or want a space to decompress? Stop by the teen zone for Teen Hangout Hour!
Builder's Club
Wed, Sep 23, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Children's Room - Back Area
Come build with us! We'll supply a variety of building materials and you'll bring the creativity. Meet friends and see what you can create together.
Story Time
Thu, Sep 24, 10:30am - 11:00am
Children's Story Steps
Young children and their caregivers are invited to story time filled with fun stories, songs, and finger plays designed to help little ones develop important early literacy skills.
Chair Yoga - Yoga Class Suitable For People Of All Abilities
Thu, Sep 24, 10:30am - 11:30am
Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room
Join us at the beautiful Central Library for yoga and fellowship. Registration is encouraged. Walk-ins welcome.
Baby Story Time
Thu, Sep 24, 11:00am - 11:20am
Children's Room - Back Area
Share simple stories, playful songs and gentle movement in this lapsit story time for babies aged 0-18 months, with a caregiver.
Job Search and Resume Assistance - Provided by Goodwill Workforce Connection Center
Thu, Sep 24, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Main Street - Second Floor
A Goodwill Consultant will be available to provide job search assistance, resume-building help, and interview preparation.
Geek Out!
Thu, Sep 24, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
Have a passion for geek media and culture? Come to Geek Out!, a monthly program for teens who are enthusiastic for learning, creating and enjoying all things in geek, nerd or pop culture!
Doors Open - Central Library - Multiple tours at Central Library
Sat, Sep 26, 10:00am - 4:00pm
Other - See description for location
Annual Doors Open event - behind the scenes tours
Saturday Morning Volunteer Orientation
Sat, Sep 26, 10:30am - 11:30am
Paul Gottfried Krikelas Technology Conference Room
Orientation for approved volunteers only. Apply to be a volunteer on our website today!
ABC Academy
Sat, Sep 26, 10:30am - 11:30am
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center,Children's Room - Back Area
Stories and a fun letter craft help build pre-reading and fine motor skills to support early literacy. This interactive program focuses on letter recognition. Each week, learn all about a new letter!
Volunteer Orientation
Sat, Sep 26, 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room
Orientation for approved volunteers only. Apply to be a volunteer on our website today!
Green Roof Tour
Sat, Sep 26, 1:30pm - 2:00pm
Green Roof
Enjoy a tour of the library's Green Roof!
Doors Open - Central Library - Multiple tours at Central Library
Sun, Sep 27, 10:00am - 4:00pm
Other - See description for location
Annual Doors Open event - behind the scenes tours
Job Search and Resume Assistance - Provided by Goodwill Workforce Connection Center
Mon, Sep 28, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
A Goodwill Consultant will be available to provide job search assistance, resume-building help, and interview preparation.
Afternoon Adventures
Mon, Sep 28, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center,Children's Room - Back Area
Adventure Awaits! Join us every Monday as we explore fun books, perform cool experiments, create together, and more!
Volunteer Orientation
Mon, Sep 28, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room
Orientation for approved volunteers only. Apply to be a volunteer on our website today!
Story Time and Play Group
Tue, Sep 29, 10:30am - 11:15am
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center
A 20-minute story time for young children is followed by open play time. For children ages 3 and under, with a caregiver.
Estate Planning - part of the Planning Ahead Series
Tue, Sep 29, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Innovation and Learning Lab
Learn about creating an estate or inheritance plan.
Central Library Walking Club
Wed, Sep 30, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Join us at Central library for a weekly walk. We will meet under the dome of the Central Library and take a two-mile loop through this historic neighborhood. The club meets rain or shine.
Green Roof Tour
Wed, Sep 30, 12:30pm - 1:00pm
Green Roof
Enjoy a tour of the library's Green Roof!
Teen Hangout Hour!
Wed, Sep 30, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Young Adult Area
Need help with book recommendations or want a space to decompress? Stop by the teen zone for Teen Hangout Hour!
Builder's Club
Wed, Sep 30, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Children's Room - Back Area
Come build with us! We'll supply a variety of building materials and you'll bring the creativity. Meet friends and see what you can create together.
Chair Yoga - Yoga Class Suitable For People Of All Abilities
Thu, Oct 01, 10:30am - 11:30am
Rotary Club of Milwaukee Community Room
Join us at the beautiful Central Library for yoga and fellowship. Registration is encouraged. Walk-ins welcome.
Story Time
Thu, Oct 01, 10:30am - 11:00am
Children's Story Steps
Young children and their caregivers are invited to story time filled with fun stories, songs, and finger plays designed to help little ones develop important early literacy skills.
Baby Story Time
Thu, Oct 01, 11:00am - 11:20am
Children's Room - Back Area
Share simple stories, playful songs and gentle movement in this lapsit story time for babies aged 0-18 months, with a caregiver.
Job Search and Resume Assistance - Provided by Goodwill Workforce Connection Center
Thu, Oct 01, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Main Street - Second Floor
A Goodwill Consultant will be available to provide job search assistance, resume-building help, and interview preparation.
Docomomo Wisconsin - "From the Archives" lecture series
Thu, Oct 01, 3:00pm - 5:30pm
Frank P. Zeidler Humanities Room
A Docomomo Wisconsin speaker will give an architecture lecture. The Wisconsin Architectural Archive will display architectural drawings.
ABC Academy
Sat, Oct 03, 10:30am - 11:30am
Children's Herzfeld Activity Center,Children's Room - Back Area
Stories and a fun letter craft help build pre-reading and fine motor skills to support early literacy. This interactive program focuses on letter recognition. Each week, learn all about a new letter!
Central Library Architectural Tour
Sat, Oct 03, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Central Library Tours
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Central Library has many significant architectural features. Join a Docent Tour Guide as they share the splendor of Central Library's past!
Green Roof Tour
Sat, Oct 03, 1:30pm - 2:00pm
Green Roof
Enjoy a tour of the library's Green Roof!
See all events