You never stop learning and growing. I received a scholarship from the Beta Phi Mu Honor Society, and today I started a 6-week course on grant writing from @Stlccedu! I'm pretty pumped to use these skills to get my library more money. Here we go!

Curriculum packets ready for next week!!! So excited for this next round of leaders.

I typically get to the college scholarships session sooner, but I didn't this year. That's ok because there's still TIME! If you or your kid are looking at college options - let me show you the best places to find scholarships! buff.ly/6d9g51P

Guess whose leadership course is starting?! And guess what? The speaker sessions are open to the public! Let's kick it off with Stephanie Haenchen and Communicating with Intention! Jan 22nd at 6PM. buff.ly/kNl5DJn

Workshop! From Idea to Insight: Customer Discovery for Startups on Jan 22nd at 4PM.

Funding Opp: Amex Shop Small Grants Program. They will fund more than 500 grants of $20,000 each, empowering small businesses to grow, innovate, and support their local communities Due Jan 16th.

Funding Opp: The Pay It Forward Program is Spectrum's commitment to providing opportunities and advertising resources to small businesses. Grants include: Complimentary traditional TV & streaming ad campaigns, Creative services, edu resources, Business-building mentoring and insights

Funding Opp! Hiring Our Heroes’ Small Business Grant Program will award five small businesses owned by veterans and/or military spouses with a one-time $10,000 or $25,000 grant to grow and support their businesses.

STL couldn't figure out how to share the road with a trolley but they wanna introduce self driving cars...😂😂😂😭😭🤷🤷🤷 buff.ly/h2ou1Qp

It's not all business over at my job. A LOT of it is, but then sometimes I get to do things like put on a Local Author Book Fair as part of KPL's Centennial Celebrations. Come find your next favorite book or a gift for your friends & family. My library is turning 100! buff.ly/HuOaHZq

STL is supposed to get weather tomorrow, so here is your reminder that you can shop small anytime and not just tomorrow! Lots of shops have websites, or you can go today instead of big box stores, or try next week after things clear. Any day is a great day to shop small!

Funding Opp: Faire small business grant program gives select new stores $5,000 to use on Faire to stock their shelves with amazing products.

Accelerator Opp: 500 Global continues to invest in founders, offering $150K in investment, founder-focused programming, growth and development curriculum, & tailored support. A 4-month in-person program is hosted at the headquarters in Palo Alto, CA.

We totally extended the date for applications for the leadership course. I need your help in spreading the word! If you know someone who would make an awesome leader and wants some hands-on experience. All at the low low price of FREE (because it's the library). Send them my way! kplmo.org/alps

One of the favorite parts of my job has been this community run book club here at KPL. The book club has been going since 2008. If you're curious about understanding the broader community you live in, & want to dig into some non-fiction books our next meeting is December 4th buff.ly/KZLqnmq

This is the LAST WEEK! So if you or someone you know was looking to boost your leadership skills in 2026, now is the time to apply. Apps close Nov 21st at 11:59PM! buff.ly/LVQQzP0

We're back again! Every last Wed of the month we'll be here - talking to you about your needs, your ideas, whatever you want to talk about for your startup. buff.ly/rI56efe

Been thinking about starting a business but you're still unsure? Come see if it's right for you! KPL is having a session on November 19th where you can ask questions and see if starting a business is a good match for you. buff.ly/oEBC9Gp

The amazing Mary Scott is leading a session at STL Startup Week! Mary Scott will be providing an interactive virtual workshop on November 10th at 5pm CST on zoom. If you would like to CREATE A STARTUP BUSINESS LEGALLY, it's ten easy steps and can apply to almost any city. Register at

Hi Friends! 🚀 STL Startup Week is back November 10–14! This is the region’s premier event series for founders, small business owners, and innovators to connect, learn, and grow. Register now and start building your week: stlouisstartupweek.com #STLStartupWeek #STLSW2025 #Startups #Entrepreneurs

I'm sorry did YOUR library get named one of the most ICONIC libraries in Missouri by some random website on the internet? No? I can feel your jealousy. Much love to the other libraries on this list. Icons. All of us.

More announcements coming soon, but if you know someone who would make an excellent leader - the applications are NOW OPEN for the Applied Leadership Pathways 2026 cohort!

It's time for another legal clinic? Do you have questions about starting a business or nonprofit? This is your chance to get 30 minutes with a lawyer! buff.ly/rzSJfI4

Did you miss out on the Women's panel? Don't worry. We recorded it! You can watch the playback here and learn all about authenticity and leadership from our great panelists! Thanks to Michelle, Heather, & Rita!

Every month we do this. Is this the month you come to brainstorm with folks about your business? buff.ly/TMWboya

Struggling with your brand voice? Read these tips from the US Chamber.

Funding Opp! Intuit QuickBooks and Mailchimp Small Business Hero Program. Year-long initiative designed to celebrate and empower small businesses that invigorate and serve their communities. $20K awarded.

Funding Opp! Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant. Grant funds will be awarded for project(s) that investigate and/or educate on the history of chocolate, uncover new chocolate innovation, development of cocoa science as well as highlight the chocolate making process.

LOVE me some Eisenhower matrix! Check out this article from the US Chamber. "How Successful Entrepreneurs Manage Their Time & What You Can Learn From Them"

It's happening! I'll see you all next week in Excelsior Springs for Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities! I can't wait!

My birthday is coming up, and I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate than to host a panel for National Women's Small Business month! Come hang out in person, because it's definitely possible I bought my favorite STL snack (Red Hot Riplets) to celebrate. Register: buff.ly/EniMyDh

Kindness in Business Awards? It would be awesome to see something like this in STL! But if you're in Boone County - you should nominate!

You ever just want to bounce your small business idea off of someone and hear their thoughts? That's what Virtual Startup Office Hours are for! Drop in our zoom session to ask questions, hear from others, and learn what you don't know. Every last Wed of the month. buff.ly/VM0HlNI

When you're at the airport and you see a BALSA Foundation alum's art on the wall!!!

The CO— 100 were announced and not only is there two companies in Missouri - there is ONE in STL! Congrats to Exit 11 Coffee in Washington MO and KRe8 Spaces in STL!

LOVE your librarian? Nominate them to win $5K! There are some really amazing folks here in STL who are quietly killing it in libraries. Give your favorite a shout out! (Even if a librarian doesn't win - they get all the nice things you said about them...which we need).

Funding Opp: IMG will be granting funds to 5 winners — 2 mission or social good organizations and 3 individuals participating in a mission, volunteer, or service trip. The 2 winning organizations will receive $3,500 each, and the 3 winning individuals will receive $1,000 each.

Reminder: if you post a job opening and hope that I'll share it. It better have the pay outlined or I won't be sharing it. Everyone does better when we're transparent with the pay. Even you! Folks are more likely to apply for a job if the pay is outlined. #TheMoreYouKnow #SayThePay

I won a grant to provide funding for our 2026 One Author, One Kirkwood program! What author would you all love to see in the STL area?

Who wants to come hang out and learn how to fund your nonprofit? I don't have ALL the answers, but I do have access to some pretty cool resources that can help you get funded! buff.ly/M3qRktd

Funding Opp: The Hey Helen Grant gives $10,000 in financial support to women founders building impactful, mission-driven businesses in the USA .

Opportunity: Small Business Readiness for Resiliency Program. The R4R program is designed for a small biz with 500 or fewer employees. It guides a biz through a 3-step process and, if eligible, provides grants when an emergency order or disaster declaration is made in their county.

I'm heartbroken because a lot of my favorite authors have received this grant.

Wondering how to support my library work? We need sponsors to fund this year's Leadership Course, initially made possible by an IMLS grant. Last year, it was free for 25 people with all the speaker sessions open to the public. If you or someone you know can help, check out this info: buff.ly/Br8spaU

Don't forget! The last Wednesday of the month is for asking questions about your startup! Virtual only - register for the zoom link. buff.ly/Zm36a4b

Webinar tomorrow! Assets: Understanding Trademarks, Copyrights and Patents

Funding Opp: Spark Good Local Grants. Each year, Walmart U.S. stores, Sam’s Clubs and Distribution Centers award local cash grants ranging from $250 to $5000.

Funding Opp: Rooted in Growth grants. 4 hair care businesses will be selected to receive: $50K in flexible grant funding, Access to founder-focused mentorship program, Networking opportunities, Brand visibility. For underrepresented founders.

US Chamber shouting out brands for using Threads...which is my favorite social media platform. Are you using it for your company yet?

Here's a list of the August 2025 short-term career training programs offered at St. Louis Community College. Each month St. Louis Community College offers opportunities for short-term training in health care, manufacturing, transportation and trades. buff.ly/abmmZOj