AMION recently completed an evaluation of the Start-Ups in London Libraries programme for the British Library. The programme was funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Arts Council England and the JP Morgan Foundation.
The programme provided a range of support to early-stage businesses and prospective entrepreneurs from across London. Support was provided by the 10 participating boroughs, the British Library and procured consultants / trainers and included two-day workshops/webinars on ‘What Next for My Business Idea’ and ‘Get Ready for Business’, one-to-one support from Champions, access to COBRA, masterclasses on marketing, sales and finance and networking events. Following the start of the COVID crisis, all support was provided online.
The evaluation included a telephone survey of beneficiaries (carried out by Spirul) and consultations with programme staff from the British Library as well as the Champions from each borough and economic development and libraries staff from each borough.
Our evaluation demonstrated that the programme had been successful in creating businesses across London and in supporting the growth of early-stage businesses.