Starting up? Start here
Start-ups in London Libraries is a free programme created to support start-up businesses locally. Our workshops and 1 to 1s are now available online. Read on for the latest news, resources and support.
Start-ups in London Libraries (SiLL) is delivered by
Lewisham Library and Information Service in partnership with the British
Library and nine other London boroughs.
Maurice is the owner of Collab Training Academy, a community interest company which embraces the diversity of Lewisham by supporting people from different backgrounds to develop their professional prospects and achieve their potential. The organisation delivers advice, support, training, mentoring, events and work experience to young people, families, BAME groups and those with difficulties & disabilities in the London area.
Maurice’s aims when joining the SiLL programme were to
expand his network and further his understanding of essential business
processes such as research, operations, financials and marketing so he could
perfect his business structure and practice. He attended our Day 1 and 2
workshops and marketing masterclasses alongside 1 to 1 sessions with Lewisham
SiLL Champion, Mark.
Maurice feels that the SiLL programme delivered on his aims
and also helped him work towards his next goal of making connections with other
businesses to offer tangible work prospects to Collab Training Academy’s
cohorts at the end of their training. There are exciting things in store for
Maurice, including new webinars and an ambition to hold the biggest education,
training and employment event in South East London later this year. To find out
more about Maurice and Collab Training Academy you can take a look at his
Facebook or Linkedin pages.
‘Great course. I can’t recommended it highly
enough for people who have set up a business, for understanding the processes
and knowing what to look out for.’ Maurice Thaw, Collab Training
Academy CIC.
Our day 1 workshop, What Next for my Business Idea? is now available as a webinar along with
the rest of our SiLL workshops. This full-day session covers the Business Model
Canvas, the Value Proposition Canvas, research sources and methods,
customer development and minimum viable product. Your business will have some
form of intellectual property, whether in the design, name, logo, brand
or the product itself. Our experts will help you to delve into what is unique in your
business and how you can protect it and make money from it in the future.
‘A comprehensive introduction to getting started with
developing a new business idea with a huge range of information sources
provided to help new start-ups.’ Day 1 attendee.
‘Very organized, clear, great speakers who are engaging and
clearly passionate about the topics. Great effort to engage with audience even
though it’s online.’ Day 2 attendee.
‘Jen is an excellent trainer! So fantastic I have recommended her to so many people and what a fantastic resource. Thank you all for making this possible and your dedication to entrepreneurs. Superb! 11/10.’ Marketing Masterclass attendee.
Click here for the Lewisham SiLL overview and eligibility requirements
Browse and book SiLL workshops here
The SiLL programme includes free tailored 1 to 1 sessions
with our Lewisham SiLL Champion and business expert, Mark. Sessions include business
diagnostics, tutorials on using COBRA Business Reference Adviser for research,
signposting to local and London wide resources and funding, and the creation of
a tailored business action plan.
‘Very happy. Great to have a face to face conversation, and
being the only person means all the information is completely relevant to my
situation.’ SiLL Lewisham 1 to 1 attendee.
Digital Resources
COBRA Complete Business Reference Adviser Explore business opportunities,
sector guides, legals and much more.
Access
to Research Free access to a wide range of published academic research
covering a variety of subject areas.
Issues Online A comprehensive reference source addressing
contemporary social issues, covering 60 topics and providing a wide range of
information and opinions on each one.
New business ebook collection Take a look at our exciting
new collection of business ebooks, available to download free on Overdrive or
with the Libby app.
RBdigital Ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, courses and
more. Choose 'genre' under 'advanced search' to find business books. Available
as an app.
PressReader Newspapers,
journals and magazines from all over the world. Choose 'business and current
affairs', then your preferred language. Available as an app.
Borrowbox is our new audio book resource to bring you even
more choice. Type ‘business’ in the keyword search. Available as an app.
Business News and Support
Funding is available for small businesses across Lewisham that were not eligible for the Small Business Grant Fund or the Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Fund. If coronavirus has impacted cash flow or income for your business follow the link to see if you are eligable. Find out more here.
Lewisham Council would like to hear from you about the needs of your business over the coming months. They will be able to offer help in certain areas directly and they can lobby the Government on your behalf for other issues. Please fill in the short survey here.
Lewisham Council’s free business directory aims to promote
local businesses and to encourage people to shop locally. List your business
for free and it will be searchable by keyword on the Lewisham Council website. Register
here.
This 3 day boot camp, starting on July 22nd and delivered by the deK Growth Programme, has been developed
as part of a series of workshops designed to help your business through Covid19.
DeK’s free business development programme is delivered in partnership with Lewisham
Council, Goldsmith's and London South Bank University. Browse the deK events
and find out if you’re eligible here.
Lewisham Local have put together a detailed page of links
and resources which could benefit social enterprises, charities and other
businesses involved with communities and training. Tips include communication
and fundraising resources, tools for impact, helping people improve their
digital skills, and accessibility tips for Office 365. Find out more.
Read The Masthead online for free
The Masthead is the South East London Chamber of Commerce’s
quarterly business magazine, featuring local and national business news,
interviews, accountancy and fiscal management, legal news and much more. For
the latest digital edition and the archive click here.
London & Partners’ free business growth programme offers
tailored advice, workshops, events and mentoring to businesses based in London
looking to develop at different stages of their growth journey. The programme
is aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises in the creative, financial, tech, urban innovation, life sciences and business services sectors. Find out
more here.
The Prince’s Trust aim to help 18-30 year olds become the
best entrepreneurs they can be through training, mentoring, funding and
resources as part of their Enterprise programme, available through their SE1
hub. Find out more here.
Free British Library Q and A sessions, every Friday at 11.30am.
These informal sessions, hosted by Fashion Angel Founder Alison Lewy MBE give
you the opportunity to ask any business related questions and virtually network
with other like minded industry professionals. Book here.
Free British Library webinar on Wed 29 Jul, 12.00 –
13.00. If you aren't harnessing the power of the web you could be missing out
on valuable sales. Covering blogs, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and more, this
webinar will teach you the basics about the different types of social media and
how to use them effectively for your business to engage your customers to
increase sales and brand awareness. Book here.
Networking for success - Express
Brought to you by the Lewisham SiLL team
Contact us SiLL@lewisham.gov.uk
Web Lewisham SiLL
Free British Library webinar on Wed 12 August, 2-3pm.
Join leading life and business coach Rasheed Ogunlaru for this special online
event to help you build your networking strategy and identify your authentic
voice. The session will help you understand the psychology of connecting and
influencing and the dos and don’ts of networking online and in person. Book here.
Contact us SiLL@lewisham.gov.uk
Web Lewisham SiLL
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