Eureka Loft Scottsdale was designed to democratize entrepreneurship and to assist with workforce development. Without cost barriers, visitors to the space can receive a top-notch business start-up education; one-on-one mentoring, individualized job coaching, and advice on securing funding. In addition, we have the tools and expertise to teach patrons to create their own digital and print marketing materials. The space also affords the opportunity for patrons to meet likeminded individuals and to collaborate on projects or ideas. Since our opening in May of 2013, over 34,000 people have visited the Eureka Loft Scottsdale and 6,298 people have attended 1,020 programs.

Our program is innovative because when it opened it was the first known pilot program involving a public library, an institution of higher learning and an economic development office coordinating entrepreneurial efforts. This program allowed libraries to evolve in the 21st century as co-working destinations and in re-purposing their efforts beyond checking out books. This program connects innovators and entrepreneurs to library resources, with academic-level content, and the networking power of economic development. The Eureka Loft Scottsdale has changed the previous mindset of what libraries can do, what a collaborative effort can produce, and energizes a community’s entrepreneurial networking base.

Since our opening in May of 2013, over 34,000 people have visited the Eureka Loft Scottsdale and 6,298 people have attended 1,020 programs. During the 2015-16 fiscal year, our five week “Starting Your Start Up” class ran five times and had a total attendance of 373. We believe we are providing valuable instruction and resources to the creative and entrepreneurial communities. While we do not closely track public library patrons, anecdotal evidence suggests Eureka Loft Scottsdale is making a strong impact.