British Library Startup Programmes
Learn more about our past and present Hustle+Heels programmes designed and delivered for the British Library Business & IP Centre.
Our Services
Kick Start Your Business Programme (KYB)
A three year programme aimed at supporting 3100 pre-start and fledgling entrepreneurs across London.
The programme will deliver grass roots business support and expert advice in libraries across London through two-days of free workshops, supported by JP Morgan.
We have delivered over 30 workshops in 2023, and we look forward to continue to support entrepreneurs across the capital this year
Startup in London libraries (SiLL)
A three-year project that supported London entrepreneurs from all walks of life to get their business idea off the ground. Open to early-stage entrepreneurs, including start-ups, pre-start-ups and those who have simply dreamed of being their own boss, the service provided grass roots solution to business support by equipping Londoners with the skills, information, confidence and connections they need to turn their ideas into viable businesses.
Client
Overview
The Challenge
The British Library's Business & IP Centre National Network is at the forefront of fostering entrepreneurial innovation across the UK.
However, between 2018 and 2021, they faced the critical task of nurturing over 2500 nascent ideas into viable businesses, particularly from individuals in under-represented communities.
The Solution:
To navigate this challenge, the British Library commissioned Hustle+Heels to design the Marketing facet of the "Start-ups in London Libraries" (SiLL) project, a £3.74m initiative spanning three years. This strategic partnership was intended to leverage the rich resources and business acumen inherent in public libraries across ten London boroughs, spearheaded by the Business & IP Centre (BIPC).
The success of SiLL led the British library to re-commission Hustle+Heels to deliver the second half of their new Kick Start Your Business Programme.
The Results:
The programme has been designed to deliver grass roots business support and expert advice in libraries across London through two-days of free workshops, supported by JP Morgan. We delivered over 30 workshops in 2023, and we look forward to continue to support entrepreneurs across the capital this year. "The Kickstart Your Business" programme. Funded by JP Morgan, this initiative, running from January 2023 to December 2025, aims to galvanise 3100 pre-start and fledgling entrepreneurs, infusing vitality into local and broader London economies. Our concerted effort prioritises equipping London's aspiring business founders, especially from under-represented groups, with the necessary knowledge, skills, resilience, and networks, thereby mitigating the hurdles they encounter and paving the way for prosperous business ventures.
Testimonials
"Really informative session. The trainer is engaging and vibrant. I loved how interactive he made it. Definitely worth attending."