All the business support available to you at Grow London Local
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Posted: Thu 16th Jan 2025
Running a small business in London comes with unique challenges – and opportunities.
Whether you're looking to refine your business plan, develop your skills or expand your network, Grow London Local provides a wide array of resources to support you.
Here's a deep dive into the five main offerings that can make a real difference to your London business.
1. Free consultation: a one-to-one to kickstart your growth
Every small business is unique and so is the path to success. That's why your first step with Grow London Local should be a free one-to-one consultation.
This personalised session connects you with an experienced Business Support Manager who listens to your specific needs, challenges and ambitions.
During this consultation, you'll receive tailored advice to access the most relevant resources within Grow London Local's network of partners and support providers.
Whether you're struggling with cash flow, looking for new ways to market or considering scaling up, this session ensures you start on the right foot.
How to access your free consultation
Simply fill out this request form and you'll hear back within two working days.
2. Diagnostic: pinpointing what your business needs
If you're looking to improve or develop your business, you can take our free Business Success Check.
This is a quick and effective diagnostic tool that evaluates your business against different areas of performance.
By answering a short series of questions, you unlock a personalised dashboard that identifies gaps and opportunities within your business.
Whether it's learning how to run things more efficiently, fine-tuning your sales strategy or addressing needs for training, the diagnostic acts as your compass, pointing you to next steps you can put into practice.
This isn't a generic assessment – it's designed to make sure you spend your time and energy on the areas that yield the greatest returns. The insights you gain could form the foundation for your next stage of growth.
How to access the diagnostic
Sign up for the diagnostic through the Business Success Check page.
3. Blogs, guides and webinars: learn at your own pace
Grow London Local offers a rich library of blogs, guides and webinars tailored to small business owners' needs.
These are perfect for entrepreneurs who prefer to learn at their own pace, providing actionable advice, practical insights and fresh ideas.
Blogs: quick insights and inspiration
The Grow London Local blog is a hub for business advice and inspiration.
With posts covering topics like customer engagement, navigating market changes and success stories from fellow entrepreneurs, the blog offers bite-sized insights to help you make smarter decisions and find creative solutions.
Guides: step-by-step solutions
For tackling specific challenges, the detailed guides provide step-by-step instructions on essential business topics such as securing funding, building an online presence and managing cash flow.
These resources simplify complex concepts, making them accessible and easy to implement.
Webinars: interactive expert-led learning
Webinars bring industry experts and seasoned entrepreneurs directly to you, offering practical advice on topics like social media strategies and financial management.
These sessions make it easy to access expert knowledge whenever it suits your schedule.
How to access the resources
4. Skills development: upskilling to stay competitive
Skills are the bedrock of any successful business and Grow London Local understands that.
Through partnerships with leading skills providers, the website offers a variety of training programmes to help you (and your team, if you have one!) stay ahead.
These training opportunities cover a range of topics, including:
Digital marketing and e-commerce: learn how to attract, engage and convert customers online.
Leadership and management: build the confidence to lead a team or scale your business further.
Sector-specific training: stay on top of the latest trends and techniques in your industry.
Many of these programmes are free or heavily subsidised, which makes them accessible for businesses of all sizes.
The flexible learning formats – such as short courses, online modules and in-person workshops – mean you can fit upskilling around your busy schedule.
This isn't just about you as a business owner – it's also about helping your employees to perform at their best. The ripple effect of enhanced skills will have a positive impact on your operations, customer satisfaction and bottom line.
How to access the skills programmes
Explore the options available on the Grow London Local upskilling page.
5. Service provision: connecting with trusted experts
Even the most seasoned business owners need outside expertise from time to time.
Grow London Local has curated a directory of vetted support providers who specialise in a wide range of services, including:
Financial planning and accounting.
Legal advice.
Human resources (HR) management.
Marketing and branding strategies.
What sets these support providers apart is their understanding of small businesses, particularly in the London market. You won't have to wade through countless options trying to find someone who "gets it".
Instead, Grow London Local does the heavy lifting, connecting you directly with trusted experts who can address your unique challenges.
Whether you need help with a specific project or advice about long-term strategy, these providers are here to deliver high-quality, results-driven services.
How to access the service provision
Browse the directory at Grow London Local to find the right fit for your needs.
6. Events: learn, connect and grow
One of the most exciting aspects of Grow London Local is its vibrant calendar of events.
These gatherings are more than just opportunities to learn – they're a chance to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and industry leaders who share your passion for business.
Past events have included workshops on navigating funding opportunities, panel discussions with successful business owners and networking mixers tailored to specific industries.
Each event is designed to be practical, engaging and directly relevant to the needs of small business owners in London.
The benefits of attending go beyond education. You gain inspiration from speakers who've walked the entrepreneurial path, form valuable partnerships with other attendees and stay informed about the latest developments in the business world.
Coffee Fridays
Grow London Local's very popular Coffee Fridays are a fantastic opportunity to network, share ideas and gain inspiration in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
Held regularly, these informal events bring together small business owners, entrepreneurs and community members.
Whether you're looking to meet like-minded peers, seek advice from experts or simply take a break from your busy schedule, Coffee Fridays offer a refreshing way to build connections and grow your network – over free coffee (and cake!).
How to access the events
Keep an eye on the Events page at Grow London Local for upcoming opportunities.
Partner with us
Grow London Local's mission to empower small businesses thrives on collaboration.
If you're able to support London SMEs with business expertise and want to make a difference in the entrepreneurial community, consider joining our network.
As a support provider, you expand your reach, boost your credibility and play an active role in supporting London's dynamic small business ecosystem.
Visit the service provider page to learn more about partnering with Grow London Local.
Final thoughts
Grow London Local is more than a support system – it's a partner in your business journey. Its comprehensive range of services ensures you're equipped to tackle every challenge and seize every opportunity.
From personalised consultations and diagnostics to skills training, expert connections and community events, Grow London Local is your go-to resource for sustainable growth.
How Grow London Local helps founders like you
Find the right support for your business
At Grow London Local, we understand that you’re passionate about your small London business. That’s why our website is packed with resources tailored to you.