Start Up Greenwich has partnered with The British Library and The Royal Borough of Greenwich to deliver a fully funded business support service which helps aspiring entrepreneurs, start-ups and established businesses to build their entrepreneurial skills and confidence, as well as giving them access to business information and resources.
If you wish to register as a Start Up Greenwich member, please click here.
If you wish to register as a Start Up Greenwich member, please click here.
We offer our members a variety of expert-led workshops, 1-2-1's with a business manager, access to business resources, opportunities to trade and test business ideas, usage of the Start Up Greenwich business lounge, networking events and much more.
To see our upcoming events and workshops click here.
Find your nearest library in Greenwich and join our community.
To see our upcoming events and workshops click here.
Find your nearest library in Greenwich and join our community.
Resources available
Become a Start Up Business member to get the help your need.
Here's a taster of resources to expect with Start Up Business.
Here's a taster of resources to expect with Start Up Business.
British library webinars and workshops
We have teamed up with the British Library’s Business & IP Centre (BIPC) to deliver grass roots business support on your doorstep, which is free to join and open to all business owners across the capital. Kickstart Your Business is a two day start-up programme aimed to help you start and progress your business development, for free. Day 1 covers the multiple areas of intellectual property and their relevance to your business, as well as practical tips on how to use the BIPCs recourses to protect, research and develop your business idea. Day 2 takes a deep dive into the areas you need to focus on to kickstart your business; from the essential building blocks of starting up and running a successful business to common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
COBRA business resources
If you're a Greenwich Libraries member, you can access COBRA remotely, which is a business database which can help turn your ideas into a business. COBRA contains more than 4,000 factsheets, market reports, contacts and sources of funding, in addition to hundreds of practical guides to starting up more than 350 types of business.
1-2-1 Support
These sessions will provide focused support to help members address their business challenges and provide a safe space for them to discuss their business ideas. To book a 1-2-1 spot please email startupgreenwich@gll.org.
Room hire
As a Start Up Member, you can book Business Rooms across our libraries which can be booked by SUG members and external organisations/businesses to conduct business activities i.e. meetings, workshops, seminars, product/service launches etc. Payment for the required space (if the booked space has an associated fee) can be made at the library where the space is.
Regular meetings for members
Start Up Business dedicated Business Support Manager hold regular meetings for group members, focussing on specific topics of relevance, or feature special speakers. You can join these as a member either remotely using zoom or Teams, or face-to-face. 1-2-1 sessions also operate throughout the year operate throughout the year allowing entrepreneurs to discuss particular challenges they are experiencing, ideas, business model plans.
Collaborate with us
We are always looking to create strong links and partnerships with established businesses, industry experts and local organisations that have the same vision to support aspiring entrepreneurs, start-ups and established businesses.
What to expect from workshops
Start Up Greenwich is about building a thriving local business community, focusing on established businesses helping new and emerging companies in the borough. Start Up Greenwich host regular workshops both virtually and in person covering different aspects of starting up, launching and building a business. Speakers from a variety of companies will share their knowledge and experience for Start Up Greenwich members.
One-year Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) memberships
In partnership with Royal Borough of Greenwich, Start Up Greenwich have allocated funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to provide Greenwich businesses with 1-year memberships to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), the leading business representative organisation for small businesses.
The opportunity is available until 31st March 2025.
What are the benefits to me?
FSB membership enables small firms to take away a lot of the stress from doing business. It offers products, services, advice and information, as well as resources and tools to help grow your business and save money.
This includes:
- Business insurance
- 24/7 legal, tax and employment advice line
- Access to financial advice
- Access to legal support
- Cyber security advice
- Health and safety support
- HR advice
- Healthcare plans
- PR and crisis management
- Tax investigation protection
- Debt recovery service
- Support with increasing sales/winning new contracts
- Exclusive member discounts for additional support too.
Am I eligible?
Memberships are available to businesses that are:
- based, registered, or operating in the Royal Borough of Greenwich
- have between 1-4 employees
- are a registered Start Up Greenwich member
What is the cost?
Eligible businesses will be required to contribute a nominal fee of £50. The remaining cost of the membership will be covered through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
This is a saving of up to £195 on the standard membership fee for businesses with up to 4 employees.
This is a saving of up to £195 on the standard membership fee for businesses with up to 4 employees.
If you would like to express your interest please click here:
FSB Membership Interest Expression Form | Cognito Forms
Start up Greenwich membership
When you become a Start Up Greenwich member, you will have the opportunity to meet and build networks of support amongst other entrepreneurs which you can leverage to support the growth of your business. In addition, you will be able to learn from successful local start-ups, established businesses and other professionals associated with the start-up ecosystem which can help you reach your business goals.
Start up Greenwich members will also have access to opportunities to help promote their business through their association with the service and the wider networks that we can tap into.
Start up Greenwich members will also have access to opportunities to help promote their business through their association with the service and the wider networks that we can tap into.
Neurodivergent spaces
Neurodivergent spaces
