When Sam first set her sights on starting her own business, the road ahead felt daunting and uncertain. Discovering the Business & Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) at The Hive was a turning point that changed everything.

Worcestershire Libraries Business & Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC Worcestershire), provides a much valued support hub for entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small businesses at six hubs across the library network. It offers free and low-cost services including expert-led mentoring, training, and networking opportunities. Visitors can access premium UK and global market intelligence, customer insights, and company data through specialist business databases. The centre also provides guidance on intellectual property, helping businesses protect their ideas and assets. With accessible spaces equipped with PCs, Wi-Fi, and meeting rooms, BIPC Worcestershire serves as a catalyst for entrepreneurship, generating significant economic growth across the county.

In 2024 and 2025 alone, BIPC Worcestershire engaged over 1,000 individuals through its business events programme, underscoring its role as a dynamic catalyst for business development in the region.

Sam’s Story: Severnside Virtual Assistant

"When I first set my sights on starting my own business, the road ahead felt daunting and uncertain. Discovering the Business & Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) at The Hive in Worcester was a turning point that changed everything."

"I signed up to the Business Start-up Essentials session which gave me clear, practical guidance that cut through the confusion and directed me to the right tools and support. Following that, the fully funded Enterprising Worcestershire Start-it Business Masterclass helped me transform my ideas into a solid, workable business plan. It was also here where I began connecting with like-minded individuals and started building a valuable network of contacts."

"Having free access to COBRA, (the Complete Business Reference Advisor), provided me with essential market research and data that helped shape Severnside Virtual Assistant’s niche and target audience. This valuable information, combined with the practical guidance from the workshops, made the early stages of building my business far more manageable and informed."

"BIPC Worcestershire didn’t just help me to launch my business; it continues to fuel its growth. Through ongoing workshops, expert advice, and signposting to wider support networks, it’s become a trusted partner at every stage of my business journey. If you’re starting out, don’t underestimate the power of your local library. It’s so much more than shelves of books, it’s a thriving hub of knowledge, connection, and opportunity that can turn your ambition into a thriving business."

For more information visit the BIPC webpage: Start or grow a business

Comments from customers

"I can't emphasise enough the need for these events. It is not just about the content, but the opportunity afforded to local business people, students and the general public to network and socialise."

"Very useful comprehensive information, great for any start-ups but also useful to refresh for established businesses."

"Very helpful advice, and inspired me to take the next step with growing my business and finding the resources to do so. Thank you for the support I am very grateful!."