About the Residency

The Boston Public Library (BPL) is seeking its fourth Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) — a year-long opportunity to design and lead Entrepreneurial Bootcamp programs that empowers Boston’s aspiring business owners.

Generously funded by the Trefler Foundation through the Boston Public Library Fund, the residency is based at the Library’s Kirstein Business Library & Innovation Center (KBLIC) at the Central Library in Copley Square. The selected EIR will receive a $37,500 stipend to develop and deliver a structured, equity-driven curriculum that equips first-time founders with the skills, resources, and networks to launch and grow successful small businesses.

What You’ll Do

As Entrepreneur-in-Residence, your primary responsibility will be to design and run a recurring Entrepreneurial Bootcamp (6–8 weeks per session, offered up to three times during the year). Each bootcamp will serve a cohort of emerging entrepreneurs and culminate in a capstone event showcasing participant ventures.

Bootcamp Structure

Each session will guide participants through five stages of business development:

Early Stage: Idea generation, customer discovery, business models
Foundation: Legal and licensing basics, financial literacy, bookkeeping
Growth: Branding, marketing, sales, operations, HR
Access: Funding pathways, certifications, procurement opportunities
Launch: Pitching, business plan development, go-to-market strategy

By the end of each bootcamp, participants will leave with a fundable, launch-ready business plan and the confidence to move forward.

Additional Responsibilities

Cohort Development & Mentorship: Provide 5 hours of weekly office hours for one-on-one coaching, group mentoring, and peer-network building.
Partnerships & Outreach: Recruit mentors, guest speakers, and community leaders to engage in bootcamps and events; build collaborations with incubators, lenders, and small business organizations.
Advocacy & Visibility: Promote entrepreneurship through events and document outcomes for BPL and the BPL Fund.

Residency Details

Stipend: $37,500 ($3,125/month)
Duration: 12 months (December 2025 – November 2026)
Commitment: ~15 hours/week (mentorship, programming, and cohort development)
Workspace: Dedicated office at KBLIC with co-working, internet, and printing
Resources: Access to BPL’s circulating, research, and special collections
Visibility: A platform to elevate your own expertise while strengthening Boston’s small business ecosystem

What We’re Looking For

• 3+ years’ experience as an entrepreneur, consultant, or startup support professional
• Proven ability to design and deliver structured workshops or curricula
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Commitment to equity in entrepreneurship and supporting underrepresented founders
• Practical, accessible approach to equipping first-time business owners