The network of free support is in partnership with 10 London boroughs and can be found in 60 public libraries. Open to aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage start-ups, the new free services will provide a grass roots solution to business support by equipping visitors with the skills, information, confidence and connections they need to turn their ideas into viable businesses. Backed by funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the project will be delivered in the boroughs of Bexley, Croydon, Greenwich, Haringey, Lambeth, Lewisham, Newham, Southwark, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest.
The project is investing in public libraries to transform their current offer, with librarians and newly appointed SME Champions in each borough receiving specialist training to work with business experts delivering a comprehensive programme of free two-day workshops and events, confidential business information sessions and tailored, face-to-face advice.
The participating libraries will also offer free, walk-in access to business information resources including COBRA (the Complete Online Business Reference Advisor), a programme of live webinars, practical fact-sheets and market research reports.
Roly Keating, the British Library’s chief executive, said: “For the past 13 years, our Business & IP Centre has worked tirelessly to try and democratise entrepreneurship across the country.
“From fashion designers to digital innovators and social enterprises tackling homelessness in our capital, the wonderfully eclectic cohort of businesses that we have supported through our National Network shows that all libraries have the potential to be hubs where ideas of any kind can become a reality. We are delighted to be awarded ERDF funding to continue breaking down barriers to entrepreneurship across some of London’s most diverse communities.”
Rajesh Agrawal, deputy mayor of London for Business, who is the project’s Champion of Champions added: “This initiative will deliver vital support to our burgeoning small business community while providing a huge boost for the capital’s libraries.”
The project, which is also supported by J.P. Morgan and Arts Council England, is modelled on the British Library’s National Network of 13 Business & IP Centres located in major UK libraries. This has generated £25 for the UK economy for every £1 public money spent.
Further support is available at the British Library’s Business & IP Centre. For more information visit www.bl.uk/SiLL