Story provided by Stillwater Public Library
The Stillwater Public Library and Meridian Technology Center will partner to offer two classes at the end of September that focus on starting a business. “Side Hustles” will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 27, from 6 – 7 p.m., followed by “Business Basics” on Saturday, Sept. 30, from 1 – 3 p.m. Both classes are free and can be attended in person or virtually. Registration is required.
Brad Rickelman, assistant director of business and entrepreneurial services at Meridian will instruct both classes. Rickelman has taught the “Business Basics” class for several years and added the “Side Hustles” class to this year’s library programs.
“Sometimes it takes dipping your toes into running a business to decide if it is really for you and running a side hustle is a great place to start,” Rickelman said.
The “Side Hustles” class is built for those looking to supplement their income or test the waters before starting a full-time business. Rickelman will discuss the time commitments necessary for having a small business on the side and the many side hustles available.
In “Business Basics,” Rickelman will go more in-depth, covering topics such as market research and the finances needed to start a business. He will also cover common pitfalls that can occur and how to avoid them with proper planning. Those interested in creating online shops, physical storefronts, product creation or service-based businesses are all encouraged to attend.
Brenna Gilchrist, adult services librarian, is glad the library and Meridian have added another business class and that online participation is available.
“We held our first ‘Side Hustle’ class in the spring, which was well attended,” Gilchrist said. “Providing programming that the community is interested in, as well as multiple options to attend them is one of the core services the library is here for.”
To see other classes and opportunities at Meridian, visit the business and entrepreneurial services section of their website at meridiantech.edu.
Register for the upcoming classes through the library’s new website at stillwaterok.gov/LibraryRegister.
The links to join virtually will be emailed to participants the week of the class. Questions or assistance registering can be directed to the library’s Help Desk at askalibrarian@stillwater.org or by phone at 405-372-3633×8106.
The Stillwater Public Library is located at 1107 S. Duck St. Library hours are Monday- Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.