From offering Resume Reviews to monthly Resource Hours with SCORE Business Mentoring, the library provides plenty of opportunities for professionals, entrepreneurs and leaders in small businesses and nonprofits.
One bimonthly program, Small Business Coffee & Connect, has grown exponentially since its debut in February 2020 and has now become the place-to-be for networking in Arlington Heights, where one can share ideas, get inspired and make valuable connections.
"Twenty people attended the first Small Business Coffee & Connect. Weeks later, the world shut down because of COVID. The program remained on pause until April 2022, more than two years later, when I could finally start it back up once again," said Info Services Advisor Diane Malik. "It's never stopped since! Community outreach and word of mouth really helped this program grow."
Nowadays, the program gets around 50 attendees each month, consisting of both regulars and new local professionals. Each program begins with an around-the-table introduction from each attendee, followed by plenty of time for refreshments and one-on-one networking. Many attendees, including Edward Jones Financial Advisor Matt Bronson, have used this opportunity to establish connections.
"Being a parent and running my own branch, it's always nice to meet like-minded individuals. I was fortunate to meet Theresa Schultz at Coffee & Connect. I learned more about her organization, Cardio Kidz, and the work they are doing to keep kids active," Bronson said. "Their event over the summer was a great time. Not only was I able to sponsor, but my 3-year-old was racing and part of the event as well. Just one of the many connections I've made since attending [my] first event way back in early '23."
Schultz' first experience attending networking events was at the library. In 2024, she attended The Nonprofit Exchange, another one of the library's networking programs, and it was here where she learned about Small Business Coffee & Connect. Since then, she has established many working relationships that have allowed her to learn more about Canva, partake in the Arlington Heights Farmers Market, volunteer for the nonprofit Camp I Am Me and more.
"Feeling very overwhelmed as a newbie in the nonprofit world, I attended the March 2024 Nonprofit Exchange," she said. "I was blown away by all the amazing people doing incredible work, and everyone was so kind. I realized we were all in the same boat and truly wanted to support one another."
"Allocating time to network and making solid connections takes time and work for small organizations, but it pays off in the long run," Malik said. "There are so many examples of the support and connections that develop between participants of Coffee & Connect. 'It takes a village' is very [fitting] for the business community in the Village of Arlington Heights."
The next Small Business Coffee & Connect will take place on Wednesday, January 21, 9-10:30 a.m. in the library's Hendrickson Room.