Library helps aspiring, existing entrepreneurs

Some people might not think of the local library as a place to take care of business or learn about business. But local entrepreneurs and business people — and some who hope to become them — are discovering just that.

“We’re not just books,” said Andrew Zollman, business librarian at the Yuma County Main Library.

It’s been more than two years since the Yuma County Main Library, 2951 S 21st Dr., celebrated an open house in April 2015 for the Coworking Oasis and its business programming.

“The space is designed to foster small business development and to provide skills based training,” Zollman said.

A successful “graduate” of the program is Regiane Johnson, now owner of Sweet Doce Brazil Cafe, located inside the Yuma Main Library.

Johnson didn’t set out to run a business. She started making and decorating cakes at home while her kids were young. She took decorating and culinary classes at Arizona Western College and Michaels and Joann stores and learned from online sites.

“I had been making cakes for my friends and people were always telling me why don’t you start your business. Just the thought of it was overwhelming,” Johnson said. “I had no business background at all.”

But then the owner of an event-planning business told her about the Coworking Oasis and en-

THROUGH THE COWORKING OASIS PARTNERSHIP Mentoring through AWC SBDC

The Arizona Western College Small Business Development Center is on site to provide face-to-face individual and small group evaluation and guidance by counselors with real-life business ownership and management experience.

If you have an idea and don’t know where to start, mentoring assistance by the SBDC can help fast-track plans for startup and growth. Mentoring is available from 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays. Registration is not required.

Mentoring through SCORE

Service Core of Retired Executives mentors deliver free and confidential advice for business needs. Whether someone has a startup or existing business, mentors will help them achieve their goals. To make an appointment to meet with a SCORE mentor, email Andrew Zollman, business librarian, at andrew.zollman@yumalibrary.org or call 928-373-6480.

Business Skills Training

Use the library’s Coworking Oasis media center to watch online webinars, follow video training and use resources covering a variety

with the AWC Small Business Development Center, Regiane Johnson, owner of Sweet Doce Brazil Cafe, says she learned “everything” about running a business. Her cafe is now located inside the Yuma Main Library.