An introduction to the idea of starting a business, run by one of the City Business Library’s Business Librarians/Advisers. In the first part we will look at some key elements to starting a business such as the legal structure, who you have to tell, funding and your business plan. The second part will be an introduction to some of our specialist resources where you can research your market for your business plan.

Who is this for: anyone thinking of starting a business, and with no previous experience.

Agenda:

10:00-10:10 Introduction to the City Business Library and Library Membership*

10:10-10:50 Steps to consider when starting a business. Hands-on training with the COBRA (Complete Business Reference Adviser) database which will give you information on: legal status; raising finance; where to trade; intellectual property; business plans, and more.

10:50-11:30 Market research resources. Hands-on training on two of the Library’s specialist business databases: IBIS and MarketLine, plus we will give an overview of other available resources, electronic and printed. This will help you find valuable information for your business plan.

*Membership to the Library is free of charge and will allow you remote access to some of our databases. You will need to have two forms of ID to join, please see the website for details of accepted ID and the joining form.

We also run a one-hour database training session to learn how to create a business-to-business contacts list and find company profiles - check our website or Eventbrite for future events.