BLINC is a community of public, academic, and special librarians who value networking, supporting each other, and offering frequent and free workshops. 

We focus on how libraries support community engagement, economic development, entrepreneurship, small business, nonprofits, job hunting, and business education. However, many of our members are not business librarians. We are a welcoming and inviting group. 

Every year since we formed in 2003, BLINC has met for free quarterly workshops open to all. We usually alternate meeting online and gathering in different cities. The workshops feature peer-training, peer-mentoring, discussions, resource sharing, and sometimes outside-experts.

BLINC uses a Google Group to allow its members to communicate with each other (share workshop notes, share news, ask questions, recruit a project partner, etc.). If you would like to be added, just email one of the officers (see below).

Stay tuned for more information on our upcoming Fall 2026 Workshop! If you would like to join the BLINC Google Group to receive notifications via email for updates and reminders about workshops, please contact one of the BLINC officers.

As always, everyone is invited to the quarterly workshop. You don't have to be a member of our section to attend. Come and meet welcoming librarians interested in entrepreneurship and business-related discussions and solutions.

Mark your calendars for The Healthy Librarian’s Toolkit – Exploring Pathways to Wellness for Library Professionals ELC Fall 2026 workshop. Information on registration details still to come!

While the Entrepreneurship & Libraries Conference features international planning teams creating events for international audiences, the ELC is officially a service of BLINC. BLINC members are always invited to join the ELC planning teams for the pitch competitions, North American workshops, and international workshops.  

NC IDEA has partnered with NC LIVE and BLINC to launch a groundbreaking fellowship program that values library staff and empowers them to support the entrepreneurs and small business owners in their communities.

LEAF Fellows build up their confidence around business services and sharpen their skills with NC LIVE’s research tools. Fellows connect with North Carolina’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and receive full support from NC IDEA. This positions libraries to become even more vibrant hubs of entrepreneurial activity and support.