WiLSWorld Shorts: Libraries Building Partnerships for Local Economic Development

This virtual session took place on Wednesday, October 28th at 1:00 pm CT, exploring the essential role libraries can play in strengthening Wisconsin’s local economies and supporting entrepreneurial success. This session will introduce how the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) supports businesses statewide and how your library can collaborate with WEDC to strengthen or build services that help entrepreneurs, small business owners, and local innovators. Watch this recording to hear about real examples of library programs that have successfully supported business growth, boosted community connections, and positioned libraries as valuable contributors to a vibrant local economy. Attendees walked away with a clear sense of why business support belongs in the library, the impact these services can have on community well‑being, and practical ways to get started.