BOSTON, MA - November 13, 2024 - With the support of a grant from Bernstein Private Wealth Management, the Boston Public Library Fund (BPLF) is excited to announce a new Entrepreneur-in-Residence for the Boston Public Library’s (BPL) Entrepreneur-in-Residence program.
Based in the BPL’s Kirstein Business Library & Innovation Center (KBLIC) at the Central Library in Copley Square, the program is designed to reduce barriers and foster equity within Boston’s business community. Through free mentoring, workshops, and resources, the Entrepreneur-in-Residence will empower local entrepreneurs and small business owners to refine their business plans and grow their professional networks.
Boston resident Robert Williams, the founder and CEO of Executive Strategies LLC, began his residency in November and will offer one-on-one mentoring and group workshops. “Robert’s experience founding his own business, along with his background in supplier diversity and small business procurement, makes him an excellent resource for aspiring entrepreneurs,” said KBLIC Curator Gregor Smart. “We’re excited to have him join us!”
Funding from Bernstein supports the stipend for the eight-month residency. “We are grateful to Bernstein for their generous commitment to create a more equitable start-up environment for Greater Boston Area entrepreneurs,” said Paula Sakey, Executive Director of the Boston Public Library Fund. “With this grant, programs offered by the Entrepreneur-in-Residence are free to all patrons seeking to start or scale their business ventures.”
The Entrepreneur-in-Residence is one component in the BPL’s system-wide workforce development programming through the KBLIC. The KBLIC provides technology, co-working space, career counseling, and more to build business skills and foster creativity and innovation. All services offered are free to all.
Robert Williams will be available in the Kirstein Business Library & Innovation Center for one-one-one mentoring opportunities Tuesdays-Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. To book an appointment, please visit: https://bpl.libcal.com/appointments/KBLIC.
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ABOUT THE BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
Established in 1848, the Boston Public Library is a pioneer of public library service in America. It was the first large, free municipal library in the United States; the first public library to lend books; the first to have a branch library; and the first to have a children’s room.
The Boston Public Library of today is a robust system that includes the Central Library in Copley Square, 25 neighborhood branches, the Norman B. Leventhal Map and Education Center, the Kirstein Business and Innovation Center, and an archival center, offering public access to world-class special collections of rare books, manuscripts, photographs, and prints, along with rich digital content and online services.
The Boston Public Library serves nearly 4 million visitors per year and millions more online. All of its programs and exhibitions are free to all and open to the public. The Boston Public Library is a department of the City of Boston, under the leadership of Mayor Michelle Wu. To learn more, visit bpl.org.
ABOUT THE BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY FUND
The mission of the Fund is to provide financial support to the Boston Public Library, ensuring that it remains viable, engaging, accessible, and free to all. The Fund fulfills this mission by working in partnership with the Library, donors, and other funders in supporting BPL programs and special initiatives. Support from the Fund supplements, but does not supplant, other BPL resources, including City of Boston funding. For more information, visit bplfund.org.
