Start-up Leeds
​Access free support to help you start or grow your own business in libraries across Leeds.

Delivered in partnership with Leeds Libraries, the Business & IP Centre Leeds and AD:VENTURE.
If you’re wanting extra support to start or grow your own business you can attend our programme of interactive workshops to:

  • get the skills you need to build, develop and grow a business
  • network and meet fellow entrepreneurs

Start-up Leeds helps anyone with a business idea get the skills and confidence they need to take their business further.

Get support to start, build, develop and grow a business
If you’re in the early stages of developing your ideas or you’re looking to get to the next level with your business, we’ll help you get there. Anyone with a business trading less than 3 years and based in the Leeds City Region can take part.
We’re open to anyone with a business – or a business idea - across all sectors, whether you’re trading online or you’re selling face-to-face our programme is perfect for you.
As part of the programme, you can also
  • access specialist information databases to conduct your business research
  • receive dedicated one–to–one support from business champions
  • access exclusive social media workshops to boost your online presence

Interactive workshops
Our interactive workshops will talk you through the fundamentals of building and growing your business. With a range of specialists on hand to guide you through the basics, you’ll get the skills, knowledge, and tools you need to take your business to the next step.
Delivered in libraries across the city, workshops will cover:
  • an introduction to the support available through Start-up Leeds
  • what makes a successful business
  • how to plan your business model
  • pricing your products and services
  • forecasting your cashflow
  • understanding tax and bookkeeping
  • developing your marketing strategy
  • protecting your business through copyright and trademarks

See the upcoming Start-up Leeds workshops here.

Anyone on the Start-up Leeds programme can also attend specialist events at Leeds Central Library and access exclusive social media workshops to boost their online presence.
After each session you’ll be able to put your skills to practice to grow your own ideas and get the support you need through the Business & IP Centre Leeds.

"After attending one of the BIPC’s sessions, I came away with clarity of what next steps I need to take to begin building my business and my business plan."

Join the programme
Find out more and register for the programme by emailing bipcleeds@leeds.gov.uk.

Partnership with AD:VENTURE
The Start-up Leeds programme is being delivered in partnership with AD:VENTURE to provide free business support to even more communities across Leeds.
Although there’s no eligibility criteria to join the programme, we’ll be on hand to let you know if you would also benefit from AD:VENTURE’s free business support for start-ups in the Leeds City Region.