This workshop is the first 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 2 - Get ready for business - 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.

What next for my business idea?

In this first full-day workshop you’ll get invaluable insights into using Croydon borough libraries' and the British Library Business & IP Centre’s collection of market intelligence and business resources, including COBRA and Mintel to protect your intellectual property and develop a strategic roadmap for your business.

Workshop itinerary:

Introduction to Business Information

In the first part of the day, learn how to use these resources to help you understand your market, develop a winning business plan and find new customers and clients. Join us to get ahead of the competition!

How do I protect my business idea?

In the second part of the day we will start to delve into what is unique in your business and how you can go about protecting it and making money from it in the future. This could be a trade mark, patent, design or copyright or a combination of all four. Your business - regardless of if it's a new product or service - will have some form of intellectual property whether it is in the design, name, logo or brand so this a crucial stage in the success of your 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 just before 10am to sign in so the workshop can begin on time.

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