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Business

Kickstart Your Business

Our Kickstart Your Business programme is a two-day workshop which demystifies the start-up process, equips you with essential knowledge, and helps you lay a solid foundation for success. Best of all, it's free.

Jennifer McLean & Fiona Wedderburn-Graham

Your local Kickstart Your Business workshops

Check out our schedule and register your place on our programme.

BIPC network map with entrepreneurs.

Free business support local to you

As well as at the British Library in London, Business & IP Centres (BIPCs) are based in over 70 libraries in the UK. At many BIPCs you can also find other specialist services to help your business journey, such as podcast studios and maker spaces.

Find your local BIPC

Your two-day pathway to business success

Find out what you'll cover on each day.

Day 1

In Day 1, we will cover:

  • Understanding Intellectual Property (IP): learn about patents, trademarks, copyright and designs - and how to protect your unique business ideas.
  • Market research deep dive: discover how to access and interpret valuable market data, customer insights and industry trends using BIPC resources (worth thousands!).
  • Strategic planning: begin to develop a robust roadmap for your business.

Day 2

In Day 2, we will cover:

  • Business fundamentals: from legal structures to tax obligations, get a clear understanding of the essentials of setting up.
  • Financial planning: master start-up costs, budgeting, and managing your cash flow effectively.
  • Customer & value proposition: define your ideal customer and craft a compelling offering.

Who is it for?

  • Aspiring entrepreneurs with a business idea
  • Individuals in early stages of starting a business
  • Anyone looking to validate their concept and/or build a strong business foundation.
Book your workshop

Find your local Business & IP Centre in London

The Business & IP Centre (BIPC) at the British Library extends its business support to communities across the capital. Find your nearest BIPC to access resources, attend workshops like Kickstart Your Business, join a local business community, and receive one-to-one business support.

View our map

Hear from our ambassadors

You might have seen some of these businesses in our marketing. Learn more about their business stories and how they have used the BIPC to start and grow their businesses.

Addy Mumunie

Addy Mumunie, Begin2Sports

Addy is the founder of Begin2Sports, a community-driven initiative that goes far beyond traditional sports programming.

Business
Hannah Drakeford

Hannah Drakeford, Hannah Drakeford Design

Hannah is the founder of Hannah Drakeford Design, a bold homewares and interior design studio that helps people bring personality and joy into their homes.

Business
Judy Chicangana

Judy Chicangana, Delmora

Judy is the founder of Delmora, a jewellery brand known for its elegant designs crafted from recycled sterling silver, gold and stainless steel.

Business
Lauretta Wright

Lauretta Wright, Life in Magazines

Lauretta is the founder of Life in Magazines, a community-focused publication known for its uplifting and informative monthly content.

Business
All ambassadors
Woman with laptop at desk in library.

Download our start-up toolkit

All the basics to help you start up with confidence. Our start-up toolkit covers:

  • Writing your business plan
  • Developing your unique value proposition
  • Understanding and protecting your intellectual property
  • Choosing your legal status
  • Researching your market
  • What the BIPC can do for you and where to find help
  • Start-up success stories
Get the start-up toolkit

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