If you want to start your own business but don't know where to begin, a new series of courses hosted by Tameside Libraries will give you the help you need and it's all for free.

'Build a Business' is an innovative project aimed at budding entrepreneurs, which is running in Tameside and seven other Greater Manchester authorities funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

It has been designed to give people the skills and confidence they need to make their great ideas a reality. Whether you want to set up as an Artisan Baker or a Zumba Instructor, Build a Business can help you make it happen.

The free workshops will show you the basics of running a business, help you know your market by offering access to industry-standard databases and information, and get you ready to launch. You’ll also meet other local businesses at regular networking events.

In addition you’ll receive one-to-one support from SME champions who will help you create a business plan. You’ll learn about the latest trends, research the competition, find out how many similar businesses are in your area, protect your intellectual property (IP), and make sure you’re not borrowing someone else’s IP.

You’ll also have free use of the library co-working space to develop your business including a bookable meeting pod, desks, wi-fi, PC access, and books. You can print, scan, photocopy and even 3D print your latest prototype for a small fee. Consider it you own office.

There are two more workshops in November, with further events running in 2022.

Know Your Market, Get Competitive: Tuesday 9 November (1pm to 4.30pm) at Droylsden Library.

IP: Protect Your Assets: Tuesday 16 November (1pm to 4.30pm) at Droylsden Library.

To join these workshops, you or your business must have a postcode within Tameside, Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Manchester, Salford, Stockport or Trafford, and you need to be the owner of a business that has been registered at Companies House for fewer than 12 months or an aspiring entrepreneur with a business idea you wish to develop.

Booking is essential at tamesidelibraries.eventbrite.co.uk.

For further details, call 0161 342 3021 or email information.direct@tameside.gov.uk.

Cllr Leanne Feeley, Tameside Council’s executive member with responsibility for libraries, said: “Tameside is well known as a place brimming with great ideas, so I’m sure there must be many people who are eager to take advantage of this superb opportunity.

“One of the eight priorities of the council’s corporate plan is to help people realise their potential and increase the number of enterprises and business start-ups. Build a Business will do a huge amount towards achieving that aim.”

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