Start-ups and individuals thinking of creating their own small businesses in Yorkshire are set to be able to access support from their local libraries, via the launch of business help programmes.

These free programmes are starting at Horsforth Library this month, but the plan is to then bring them to a number of other libraries throughout Yorkshire over a period of two years. The initial sessions will focus on letting business owners and budding entrepreneurs know what help and useful resources will be available to them over the run of the course.

Following that, there will be classes looking at what is needed to give a small business the best chance of succeeding, picking the right model for your business, how to price your services or products, business marketing, bookkeeping and tax matters.

The latter two are crucial for start-ups to learn, and other Yorkshire-based resources, such as a small business accountant in Goole, can also help to guide them.

The programme is a partnership between the Business & IP Centre Leeds and AD:VENTURE. Speaking to B Daily News, local founder Tracey Purcell said:

“The Business & IP Centre have an amazing range of free resources and support available for small businesses and start-ups, which I have found invaluable in helping me get my business off the ground.”

Purcell went on to add that she had participated in one-on-one sessions and webinars organised by the centre when she was planning her company, Beautiful Ethical, and that they had given the know-how and skills she needed.