Local Business Support

Business and Intellectual Property Centre - BIPC

Waltham Forest Connected is dedicated to fostering the success of local businesses through comprehensive support. We offer personalised guidance tailored to each business's unique challenges, assisting in securing contracts and making informed strategic decisions. By helping businesses find optimal workspaces and promoting networking opportunities, we enhance their visibility and growth prospects.

Our expert advisors provide bespoke consultations and workshops designed to boost competitiveness and operational efficiency. We support businesses in obtaining council contracts and offer valuable insights into various town and industrial centres. Regular updates on local business news and success stories equip businesses with the necessary tools and knowledge to thrive.

Through our local business events, we facilitate meaningful connections within the community. By fostering these connections and keeping businesses abreast of relevant developments and trends, Waltham Forest Connected empowers local businesses to adapt, grow and achieve lasting success.

BIPC Local
One-to-One Advice and Support

Our main purpose is to provide free tailored advice from our in-house experts in the comfort of our Business Centre in Leytonstone
or Online via zoom.

Our ongoing consultation process is designed to build an understanding and trust between you and the BIPC so that we can better understand your needs enabling us to offer ongoing support. We also offer the use of business research databases FAME, COBRA and IBIS World with our Information Specialist.

BIPC Local workshops

We offer workshops designed to help you with common business challenges like using digital marketing, building websites, understanding sales processes, streamlining your business processes and setting up sole trader and limited companies.

We do this in conjunction with a large range of events run by the BIPC at the British Library. Most of these events are free to attend.

Drop-in sessions and Networking Opportunities

We are currently running a free monthly Tax and accounting drop-in session with Dr Mohammad Siddiq, Professor at Bolton University where you can ask for advice on any related issues.

Every month, the BIPC team also host networking meeting which are open to entrepreneurs, small businesses, expanding business or anybody interested in networking with like-minded people. Events such as Final Fridays Networking and Coffee Morning are primary examples.

Dates can be found on our Eventbrite page:

Business plan reviews

We can help you formulate a structured business plan and marketing strategy so that you can recognise the steps you need to take to progress your business.

Grant Applications

We can also support your business by looking for suitable funding opportunities that you can apply for and help you with the application process.

Youth Outreach

The BIPC Waltham Forest Team regularly support local youth and aspiring young entrepreneurs by delivering youth outreach programs, whether it is hosting a talk, a stall or pop up at local schools and colleges within the borough.

Trader Markets

We run monthly seasonal markets across the borough, showcasing the talents of local entrepreneurs, namely Entrepreneurs Corner and the BIPC Bazaar. Details can be found in our newsletters and on our Eventbrite page.

We also run special one-off markets, such as the female only market run at the BIPC in March to celebrate International Women’s Day.