Business support for entrepreneurs with BIPC Lewisham

A new service for local entrepreneurs

BIPC Lewisham aims to extend the provision of business support in the Borough of Lewisham, by helping aspiring entrepreneurs, start-ups and established businesses to increase their entrepreneurial skills and confidence, as well as providing access to business information and resources. BIPC Lewisham will also facilitate a variety of expert led workshops, 1-2-1s, and networking events within the local business community. Lewisham Libraries card holders will be able to access the following Business and Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) services locally:

• Business Events

• 1-to-1s

• Networking opportunities

• Business information and resources

• Business databases: COBRA, IBIS World and Grant Finder

• Conference equipment and room hire

• Tech equipment for content creation such as green screens, microphones, laptops and Adobe Creative Suite

• Access to eBooks, digital newspapers, magazines and journals

• The latest business books

BIPC Lewisham is brought to you by Lewisham Library and Information Service in partnership with the Economy, Jobs and Partnerships team and The British Library. 

BIPC Lewisham launch event

Catford Library, 27 September, 11am-5pm

Join us at Catford Library on Tuesday 27 September as we launch this exciting new service for local entrepreneurs. Attendees will have an opportunity to:

See the BIPC Lewisham's newly furnished space which will be used by members, trainers, and businesses

Receive information and training on new databases: Grant Finder, IBIS World, and COBRA

Engage with stalls from the wider business support community in Lewisham

Attend business workshops on the business model canvas and business diagnostics

Hear expert talks with Q&As from the following:

• Representatives from Lewisham Council's Economy Jobs and Partnerships team
• Experts from the British Library's Business and IP Centre
• Experts from the Intellectual Property Office
• Entrepreneur, Esther Jacob from Authentic Worth
• Entrepreneurs, Fiona Wedderburn-Graham and Jennifer McLean from Amaze Associates
• And many more speakers still to be announced.

Catford Library: 23-24 Winslade Way, Catford Centre, SE6 4JU.

Business Databases

COBRA (Complete Business Reference Advisor)

COBRA contains all the information you need to turn your idea into a business. Access remotely or in any library branch and find more than 4,000 factsheets, market reports, contacts, and sources of funding and support plus hundreds of practical guides to starting up more than 350 types of business. Access through the link above with your library card number and PIN. 

IBIS World - coming soon

Trusted industry research covering thousands of global industries. Get a quick and intelligent overview of any industry. In every report, you’ll find actionable insights, comprehensive data and in-depth analysis. Access at Lewisham Libraries' hubs: Catford Library, The Library at Deptford Lounge, Downham Library and Lewisham Library.

Grant Finder - coming soon

GrantFinder is the leading funding database in the UK covering local, national, and international sources of funding. Thousands of funding sources are included such as charitable trusts, societies, research councils, national government, the EU and corporate sponsors. Access at Lewisham Libraries' hubs: Catford Library, The Library at Deptford Lounge, Downham Library and Lewisham Library.