Businesses and budding entrepreneurs across Worcestershire are being invited to the launch of a new business support service that aims to create a thriving business community in Worcestershire libraries.
Business and IP Centre, Worcestershire (BIPC) will officially launch on 4 June with a live, online event at 10:30am. The event will feature a number of guest speakers from some of the county’s major employers, small businesses who have benefitted from BIPC services to date, and partners who work with the Worcestershire BIPC team to provide support.
BIPC Worcestershire is part of a national BIPC network funded by The British Library. It provides free and accessible business support and resources to entrepreneurs and small businesses through public libraries.
Key speakers at the event include Carl Arntzen, CEO of Worcester Bosch and Liz Jolly, Chief Librarian from the British Library. Liz will introduce the national Business and IP Centre network and explain why libraries are so well placed to meet the business needs of local communities.
BIPC Worcestershire is part of a wider business support landscape available from Worcestershire County Council and will work closely with Enterprising Worcestershire and the Worcestershire Business Central Growth Hub to ensure businesses can access the support they need.
BIPC Worcestershire can help at any stage of a business journey, from developing an initial idea to supporting start-up, to advising on Intellectual Property or providing significant business intelligence data to help with business development.
Business and IP Centre Worcestershire provides:
- free business support, mentoring and training delivered by expert partners and BIPC Business Advisors on a 1:1 or group basis, online and in-libraries
- free access to high quality UK and global market intelligence, customer insights and company data via a range of specialist business databases
- intellectual property information and guidance
- signposting and referral to business support programmes available in the county
- business networking events online and in-libraries
Five new business hubs in Malvern, Redditch, Kidderminster, Bromsgrove and Evesham libraries will build on the already established Business Centre at The Hive, Worcester. The Hubs will provide dedicated business community space within libraries to include PCs, desks, Wi-Fi and meeting rooms.
Councillor Matt Dormer, Cabinet Member for Communities said: “Business and IP Centre Worcestershire is a fantastic addition to the range of services provided by Worcestershire libraries. It is now easier than ever for anyone thinking of starting a business or wanting to take their business to the next level, to get the help they need. BIPC Worcestershire breaks down barriers for people who have a bright idea for a business but no idea where to start.”
“I’d encourage anyone interested in helping their business prosper to attend the launch event which will be a celebration of business voices across the county and introduce the invaluable range of free business services offered by BIPC Worcestershire”.
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