As a public center for learning, research and discovery, how can we advance and find new purposes and missions for the public library?

The San Antonio Public library embarked on a new initiative to create Cafe Commerce – a 10,000 square foot resource and learning center focused making entrepreneurship easier, and to strengthen the support infrastructure for small business owners. In collaboration Accion Texas, the nation's largest microlender, Cafe Commerce was created and launch in June 2014.

Licensing content and programming from The Kaufman Foundation, as well as creating its own events and tapping into local mentors, Cafe Commerce became a center for new business creation and inspiration.

In this fireside chat, Alan Weinkrantz will interview Cafe Commerce President, Peter L. French, on lessons learned, best practices, and how other libraries can create similar resource centers focused on startup and entrepreneurial ecosystems in their community.