Have you always wanted to start your own business? Or are already running one but need help to grow it? Build A Business is aimed at small businesses, entrepreneurs and anyone thinking of starting their own business.

It’s running across all 10 Greater Manchester authorities, offering tailored help to support new businesses.

Get help launching your business and gaining the skills and confidence you need by joining one of our regular workshops held at Stockport Libraries. These include:

Know Your Market, Get Competitive

• Learn how to use the Business & IP Centre Manchester’s £5 Million collection of UK and global business databases (including market research and company and financial information)
• Find out why market research and other sources of information are important to the success of your business idea. Find information on customers, market size, competitors, trends and other key data. Learn the basics on conducting your own research.

Intellectual Property – Protecting Your Assets

Make sure your product, service, website and brand are protected and do not infringe on others’ rights. At this workshop you will learn:

• How to understand the 4 main types of IP and how they differ
• Get a clearer idea of what IP you own
• What’s involved in registering a trademark
• Where to go for further help and advice

Business Basics: Getting Started:

This workshop covers the essential ‘nuts and bolts’ of starting up and running a successful enterprise, including:

• Legal structures – self employed, limited company etc.
• Business planning and business model canvas
• Cashflow, Finance and Tax
• Pricing

Marketing 101 Masterclass: How to get your business discovered including:

• Understanding your customers/customer segmentation
• Building an effective marketing strategy
• Planning marketing campaigns
• Building a brand through consistent marketing
• Simple search engine optimisation (SEO) techniques
• Creating effective social media content
• Understanding PPC and display advertising