In late 2024, when Komal Kashiramka decided to “take the plunge” to leave a corporate job and start a business in the food industry, she sought out helpful (and low cost) resources for entrepreneurs. The Seattle Public Library was not one of the places she originally thought to look. But the business research tools she found have turned out to be crucial resources for growing her business.
“I was blown away by what the Library offered!” she said. “Before, I was Googling tools and it always pointed to paid options. I wasn’t even sure if that data was reliable.
“At the Library, you could access all this data without going through a complicated process or shelling out lots of money. All you needed was a Library card.”
Kashiramka’s startup is Poshan (pronounced “potion”). Poshan is currently developing an automated roti-maker for home kitchens. The prototype will begin beta testing soon. Kashiramka also runs Roti Tales, which is building awareness of roti and its nutritional benefits over social media.
Kashiramka first heard about the Library’s business resources during a presentation hosted by Startup 425, which supports founders based on the Eastside. After the presentation, she made an appointment with a business librarian to get one-on-one help using the Library’s tools.
She also uses one Library resource in particular — SimplyAnalytics, available to anyone with a library card — to guide product design and her business strategy. Here’s how.
Import/export data help refine product decisions
“To design a good roti maker, I need to know what kinds of whole wheat flour my target customers buy to make their roti, and make sure my product supports that.
“I could talk to individual grocery stores about their whole wheat flour sales, or I can use SimplyAnalytics to see all the spending on flour and bread in the geographies where my customers live. That helps me know what brands to test with my machine, and improves my confidence in its reliability and the functionality.”
Business appointment that helped gauge the market
“Essentially: What is the demand for my product?
“In my business appointment, the librarian not only showed me how to use the tool, but pointed out common mistakes new business owners make computing their market size. This was a fantastic value add.
“When I raise funds, I’ll have data I can put in my pitch deck that shows what cities or zip codes we will target, where I know I have higher chances of success given my target customer profile.”
… and make financial projections
“I also needed to see financial metrics for public companies in my industry vertical. This is super important for financing, whether it’s with banks or VCs. It also helps with attracting top talent when you’re offering equity.
“The Library showed me where I could get this data without having to go to a paid option. They helped me use NAICS and SIC codes to drill down by specific industry verticals.
“And then, it gives you a table where I can dig up all the P/E ratios (price-to-earnings) and whatnot.”
Komal’s advice for other entrepreneurs
“If you’re unsure how the Library can help, just reach out. It is very easy to schedule appointment to talk about your business. You will be pleasantly surprised by all the resources that are available to help you — no matter what stage you are in!”
Learn more about the Library’s business resources, and schedule a one-on-one business appointment.
A Library card gets you access to a number of business resources beyond SimplyAnalytics, including resources for exploring market trends and analyzing potential competitors. If you need help from organizations like Startup 425, the Library has a list of partners who help with business development, too.
Remember, anyone who lives, works or goes to school in Seattle can get a Library card. Or, if you have a Library card from a nearby library system, you’re eligible for a card!
– Joe G., Marketing