Enhance your business with Vaughan Public Libraries
Did you know Vaughan
Public Libraries (VPL) offers many resources, information and tools to help
businesses and entrepreneurs start or grow? In addition to the array of business
advisory services the City of Vaughan’s Economic Development department
provides, Community
Libraries are another great resource for the local business community!
Here are some of the ways you can leverage the support and guidance offered by VPL throughout COVID-19 and beyond.
Articles and research
Grow your knowledge base by using VPL’s electronic databases covering a wide range of subjects. It’s available to all library members.
Business Information webpage
Find business-related titles within VPL’s collection of books and magazines using the Business Information webpage. It offers links to relevant online resources and organizations, and a form to request a one-on-one Research Help workshop.
Business resources during the COVID-19 pandemic
Search VPL at Home for business-related resources curated to assist businesses and entrepreneurs during the pandemic. From webinars to toolkits, this page has many useful tools from various organizations and levels of government.
Innovation space at Pierre Berton Resource Library
Access the innovation space at Pierre Berton Resource Library to co-work, connect with other innovators, gain advisory support, and attend workshops and other events. The City, in partnership with VPL and ventureLAB, has an innovation space in Vaughan. ventureLAB’s satellite location at the Pierre Berton Resource Library provides resources and advisory support to local technology startups.
With the support and space provided by VPL at Pierre Berton Resource Library, ventureLAB leverages this space to further support Vaughan-based entrepreneurs with technology-driven programs and services. Entrepreneurs can book desk space through ventureLAB’s Innovation Hub Membership, subject to ventureLAB’s COVID-19 safety protocols.
Lifelong Learning webpage
Find a course or tutorial for your personal and professional development on VPL’s Lifelong Learning webpage. Learn a new language, get help with research, upgrade your business skills or cultivate new interests and hobbies.
Make It! Learn It! Create It!
Explore the newest technologies and tools in a friendly environment! VPL members can learn about and book a time to use a wide range of creation spaces, equipment and tools. Try free online courses that teach the basic knowledge required to use some of the creation equipment, such as 3D printers, a laser engraver and more.
Public computers and technology
Enjoy library services, including the use of in-library computers for up to two hours at a time, printing, photocopying and scanning services available at all VPL locations, and workstations that provide the public with free access to the Internet while abiding by VPL’s Internet Policy, and much more. In addition, businesses and entrepreneurs can develop and create their next big idea by borrowing different devices from VPL. For borrowing information, visit the Downloads and Digital webpage.
Virtual Information Desk (Ask Us!)
Reach the Virtual Information Desk by phone at 905-653-7323 or text at 647-694-2135 during regular hours for assistance on services offered, including business resources, recommendations, research assistance and more:
Monday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For the safety of the community and staff, public health measures remain in place, including reduced capacity limits and the requirement to wear masks and observe physical distancing. Vending machines and study rooms are unavailable at this time. Maple Library remains closed due to ongoing renovations.
All of these VPL resources are in addition to the business support offered by the City’s Economic Development department. The following are some ways businesses can engage with this team:
Advisory consultations
The Economic Development team continues to offer advisory consultations to entrepreneurs and businesses of all stages and sizes via tele- or video-conference, email and phone. For information, additional resources or to book a consultation, visit vaughanbusiness.ca.
Open for Business
Created with the By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services team, the voluntary Open for Business online directory includes services and Vaughan-based businesses that are open or providing modified operations by phone, online, takeout or delivery in compliance with provincial and municipal regulations. Vaughan businesses interested in being included in the list must apply through this online form.
Vaughan Business Resilience Plan
On June 23, 2020, the City launched the Vaughan Business Resilience Plan (PDF) as an immediate and long-term plan to help Vaughan’s business community adapt to the post-pandemic world.
Through this plan, the City’s Economic Development department will continue to:
- help businesses and the economy build resilience.
- build resilience into key economic opportunities and strategic sectors like healthcare, supply chain and manufacturing, and tourism.
- share Vaughan’s reimagined public spaces within physical distancing guidelines and invite the community to experience Vaughan’s culture and arts.
As well, on Feb. 9, 2022, the team presented the Advantage Vaughan plan to Committee of the Whole (Working Session). This is Phase Three of the City’s economic development efforts to respond to COVID-19. It builds off Phase One: the Vaughan Business Action Plan (March 2020) and Phase Two: the Vaughan Business Resilience Plan (June 2020). Advantage Vaughan will come to the Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022 Council meeting for ratification.
Training and education
Businesses and entrepreneurs can use the City as a resource to find ongoing training and education to move their business online, pivot their strategy or start anew. The Economic Development department also promotes virtual webinars, seminars and classes from different organizations. There is something for everyone. To learn more about upcoming events, visit vaughanbusiness.ca/events.
To keep up with the City’s newest business resources and initiatives, sign up for the Economic Development department’s eNewsletter at vaughanbusiness.ca/enewsletters.
Those who feel unwell and believe they have symptoms related to COVID-19 should contact York Region Public Health at 1-800-361-5653 or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. For additional information and resources on the virus, visit York Region's website at york.ca/COVID19.
Stay up to date with the latest response efforts by frequently checking the City’s COVID-19 webpage at vaughan.ca/COVID19. For updates and news as they happen, subscribe to Vaughan News and follow the official corporate channels on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
-30-