A new information service for people looking to set up their own small business will be given an official launch by the Mayor of Dudley next week.

The Business Starts Here information hub has been set up at Dudley’s central library and has a permanent collection of business books and directories as well as offering access to learning courses and workshops.

The Mayor of Dudley, Cllr Mohammed Hanif, will declare the facility officially opened at the launch event on Friday 17 June at 1pm. There is no charge to use the hub which also includes start up guides, fact sheets and information on business law.

Many local support organisations will be at the launch event and members of the public are invited to call in to pick up information or to book an appointment with a business advice expert. Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, cabinet member for planning and economic development, said:

“There is a lot to consider when starting up a business and so we have set up the information hub as a place where people can go to find out all they need to know to get their ideas up and running as a small business venture.”   

Visitors to Business Starts Here can also use the library’s free Wi-Fi and computers which provide access to the online business reference advisor, COBRA.