Greater Manchester libraries scale up business support project

A business support project run out of libraries across Greater Manchester has been expanded to support entrepreneurs in all 10 boroughs.

The ‘Build a Business’ scheme offers in-person workshops, one-to-one support and connects people to local networking events offering a wealth of expertise to help develop their ideas and turn them into profitable business ventures. Part funded by the UK Shared Prosperity fund through a grant administered by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), support will be available until March 2025.

The service first started in September 2021 and was rolled out across eight of Greater Manchester’s localities, including Stockport. Rochdale and Wigan have now also been added to the scheme. By December 2023, more than 1,400 people had attended at least one workshop, with almost half of these people identified as being from a racially minoritised community.

Cllr Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council and GM lead for economy said:

“Greater Manchester is filled with creative, enthusiastic and inspiring entrepreneurialism and I’m proud that our city-region is leading such an innovative scheme offering access to resources that some of our smaller businesses and residents may not otherwise have access to.

“Build a Business offers a wide range of support in a convenient location, which will prove helpful to those wanting to expand their reach and scale up their businesses.

“I’m really pleased that we’re now able to welcome Wigan and Rochdale into the programme and we look forward to the new businesses we can help to develop, further adding to Greater Manchester’s thriving and vibrant economy.” 

To date, a varied mix of prospective and established businesses have been supported including; artists, bakers, caterers, engineers, fashion designers, graphic designers, holistic therapists, horticulturists, personal trainers, photographers and others. In Stockport, My Sen Den, a sensory toy hire company which launched in early 2023, is among the businesses to have accessed the scheme. Its founders, Emily Brookes and Claire Cunliffe said of their experience:

“The workshops and advice we have received has been invaluable in helping us to build a strong base for our business.

“It has allowed us to navigate essentials like trademarking, provided us with legislative knowledge and advice and gave us access to a wealth of databases which would have been financially inaccessible otherwise.

“We have since applied for a grant and have been able to find trusted local suppliers. With the strong support of the Build and Business initiative and our drive and ambition, we are looking forward to building a successful business.”