Start-Up Hubs available now in Staffordshire Libraries

Are you ready for an exciting opportunity to start working for yourself?

Being self-employed is very exciting. It is also liberating, challenging, and rewarding. Starting your own business is exciting. But, it can also feel overwhelming and confusing to actually get started. Preparation is key to success.

Staffordshire Libraries and Arts Service have partnered with Business Enterprise Support (BES), to set up Start-up Hubs in libraries across Staffordshire.

Hubs are now available across our network of libraries.

The hubs are an information service. They are available to support and inspire anyone interested in working for themselves. Our libraries offer a dedicated space for start-up materials. Including leaflets, business books, and info sheets.

So, what’s stopping you?

Visit a Start-Up Hub library and connect to our free Wi-fi. Explore the hub. Start planning your next steps. We can point you to the right information, and signpost to local contacts.

Find your nearest library.

COBRA - Online Business Reference

You can also enjoy free access to the website resource COBRA. It stands for Complete Business Reference Advisor. You can access it from home or in a Staffordshire Libraries.

COBRA has all the info you need to turn your idea into a business. Or, if you are thinking of working for yourself. Log on and find over 4,000 fact-sheets, sector guides, and market reports. Also find local area profiles, contacts, and sources of funding and support. Plus, find hundreds of guides to starting over 350 types of business.

If you're using a Library PC you can access COBRA instantly. If you wish to access COBRA from home you will need to log in with your Library Card Number.

Find out more about business in Staffordshire. This includes help for small businesses. It has start-up loans, apprenticeships, and economic recovery and renewal. You can find this information on the County Council Business webpages.