Spokane has a hidden superpower for founders and today you are getting the full story from the person who built it. Mark Pond is the Business Research Librarian behind StartUp Spokane, the program that invests more than one hundred thousand dollars each year in top tier business tools and gives them to the community at no cost.In this episode we dive into how the Spokane Public Library created one of the most valuable resource hubs for entrepreneurs in the country. Mark explains how founders can use industry databases, market research tools, competitor intelligence, demographic analysis, and step by step startup support that would normally cost a fortune. He also shares the evolution of StartUp Spokane, how it empowers young creators, what most new founders overlook, and why libraries may be the next frontier for economic development.What you will learn• How Spokane built a national level business resource engine• The tools founders should use from day one• How to validate ideas with real market data• Why StartUp Spokane is becoming a model for cities• Mark’s insights from nearly twenty years supporting entrepreneursIf you love stories about startup ecosystems, community builders, and the real strategies that help founders move from idea to traction, this episode is a must watch.Subscribe for more founder interviews, Spokane startup stories, and conversations with leaders shaping the region’s future.LinksStartUp Spokane: www.startupspokane.comMark Pond: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markpond/FUEL Coworking: https://fuelcoworking.com/#hub