This workshop is the second part of a two-day offering. To make the most of the free business support offered by the Start-ups in London Libraries project, please also book to attend Day 1 - What next for my business idea? - alongside this workshop.

If the date or location of either of these workshops don't work for you, both are also offered in nine other boroughs throughout October-December. We are happy for you to attend both workshops in the same borough, or else attend Day 1 in one borough and Day 2 in another. Please see our other event listings for full information on where these workshops are being offered.

This high energy and practical full-day, 6-hour workshop (including regular breaks with refreshments) is your practical guide to setting up your business. Please arrive at least by 9:45am for registration for a prompt 10am start.

Our experts will cover the following steps to help you develop your business idea from concept to market and will include:

Creating a robust business

• Reasons why businesses fail

Is it for me?

• What are the characteristics of an entrepreneur
• What skills, talent or experience are required?
• Do I work 9-5 or 5-9?

Why start a business?

• Importance of your values

Starting a business in its simplest from – Minimum Viable Product

• What is needed for you to start your business?
• Researching the market
• Testing and validating your idea

Getting started – Legal and operations – the things you need to know!

• Company formation
• Operations
• Finance

Let’s build a simple but effective business plan

• Types of business plans – traditional vs modern
• The Business Model Canvas
• Time to build your plan!

Practical advice will be enhanced by interactive exercises to embed your learning and ensure you can apply what you’ve learned. By the end of this workshop, you will have the knowledge, skills and confidence you need to successfully set up your own business.

This workshop includes a lunch break for networking and refreshments will be provided throughout the day, including a sandwich lunch.

Please contact SiLLWorkshopBookings@bl.uk with any queries.

The project is fully funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the British Library, ten participating London boroughs and generously supported by JP Morgan and Arts Council England.

FAQs

Workshop timings

This is a 6 hour full-day workshop. Please arrive between 15-30 minutes before the start time to network and complete relevant paperwork so the workshop can begin on time at 10am prompt.

Eligibility

To take part in the Start-ups in London Libraries workshops you or your business needs to have a London based postcode. You also need to be either:

The owner of a business which is either not trading or been registered at Companies House for less than 12 months.

Or

You should be an aspiring entrepreneur with a business idea you want to develop