BLOG: BIPC Sussex launch event
The Business & Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) officially open for business(es)
If you haven’t been to the Business & Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) in Brighton’s Jubilee Library, you really should go and check it out. It is a brilliant space for businesses to get access to free support, market insight and expert advice. Last night we had the privilege of attending the official opening – although it began operating online in 2020.
Over 90% of Brighton & Hove’s 13,000 businesses have fewer than 10 employees and they are key to maintaining the local economy, protecting jobs and self-employment.
In partnership with Brighton & Hove Chamber of Commerce, and funded by The British Library, always possible delivered a free online workshop and mentoring programme supporting entrepreneurs to create, pivot and build their business throughout the first lockdown. The aim of the programme was to support businesses to build resilience and give them practical skills to survive and thrive, as well as to raise awareness of the continued support available at the BIPC.
So it was great to hear Roxy van der Post of Myosotis Film & Photography’s compelling story of leaving her corporate job and moving to Brighton to start over. The Reset.Restart programme helped her develop her Business Model Canvas (which she wouldn’t be without now). She went on to get free one to one advice from the BIPC that supported her to build the business and career she now loves (she told it better).
And that was just one of the stories of the impact this centre has had on the local business community. In fact, it has been such a success they have additional funding to open local centres across Sussex, putting free business support in the heart of communities.
We have just finished our third series of workshops for the BIPC – but there is still time to book for the final sessions. The fourth series started on May 25th and continues through June and July.
In addition to workshops, attendees can also benefit from free 1:1 sessions with business experts.
Next time you are in town, take a detour to the top floor of Jubilee Library. And if you don’t live in Sussex, this is a nationwide initiative, find your local BIPC.
Over the past 12 months, across Sussex, the BIPC has:
- Helped over 1,000 local business-people
- Run over 50 webinars
- Delivered support to over 300 businesses in one-to-one clinics
- Team has answered over 800 business enquiries.
- 7 out of 10 of those who have used the BIPC are female entrepreneurs
- 16% are from under-represented ethnic backgrounds
- 12% have a disability
- 1 in 5 are young people
- And 1 in 10 are unemployed
Funded business support programmes:
always possible collaborates to design and deliver free or subsidised support for teams and individuals who need it most.
Click on any graphic below for full details and eligibility criteria.
