Purpose

Approval to receive funding from GMCA to continue the delivery of the “Build A Business in GM Libraries” service across Greater Manchester. The funding is £850,255. This is the fourth successful funding of the project. The funding covers the period 01/04/26 - 31/03/27.

Decision

To approve a one year grant agreement with GMCA to support the continuation of the Build A Business in GM Libraries service totalling £850,252 for the period 2026-27.

To continue to deliver the Build A Business in GM Libraries programme of business support in all 10 Greater Manchester library services.

Build A Business has successfully delivered business support for pre-start and startup businesses across Greater Manchester since 2021. It offers some unique aspects to business support including:

Free access to £4m of business information resources that customers would not be able to afford but enables them to be competitive in the market.

Access to intellectual property support, often overlooked by this client group

Support delivered in libraries: accessible venues with extended opening hours, making this service available more than other business support.

This service offers excellent value for money and best value.