MORE than 300 entrepreneurs have been helped to start, run or grow their business since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.

Glasgow Life has been running its Business and Intellectual Property Centre in Glasgow’s Mitchell Library. It offers access to business resources, support from experts and advice from partner organisations serving as a one-stop-shop for new and growing businesses in the city.

With the move to online shopping accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, the centre is now offering free online training sessions for sole traders and micro-businesses to help them to develop their digital skills and productivity, and reach their customers online, through the Power Up initiative, which seeks to create a more inclusive digital economy.

Offering support in developing skills in four key areas – web presence, selling online, digitisation of back office functions, using clouds – the free, interactive sessions have been supporting those looking to ensure that their business does not become a casualty of the pandemic.

Sooz Young from Technology Coaching Ltd, who delivers the digital Power Up sessions on behalf of Glasgow Life, said: “Having an effective online presence has always been important for businesses, but the impact of the coronavirus pandemic has resulted in it becoming essential.

“This change has happened almost overnight, as traditional shopping has become more difficult, businesses are needing to find ways to engage with their customers in their own homes.

“Since lockdown we’ve noticed that all kinds of people are looking to set up their own businesses, and through Power Up we have been able to provide Glasgow’s sole traders and micro-businesses with a fantastic opportunity to develop their digital business skills for free.”

Visit glasgowlife.org.uk/bipc for more information on free resources, or to book a place at the Power Up sessions.