A hub based in The Mitchell Library in Glasgow has helped boost the city's economy by creating new businesses and jobs.

The learning, networking and information hub says it has created almost 300 new businesses and more than 150 jobs in the last three years.

Glasgow’s Business and Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC), run by Glasgow Life, the culture and sport charity, supported entrepreneurs to open 278 new firms and create 155 new roles between April 2020 and March 2023.

Glasgow Times:

A report by the Democratising Entrepreneurship has revealed that as a result of the work by the BIPC, the city's economy was boosted by £4.6 million.

Andrew Olney, Director of Libraries, Sport and Communities, Glasgow Life, said: “Glasgow Life Libraries offer everyone the chance to discover and learn in every part of the city.

"The Glasgow Business and IP Centre at The Mitchell Library is a service which is helping generate wealth in the city and create jobs through the support and advice on offer to start-ups."

Glasgow Times:

The Glasgow BIPC is a hub where people learn, network and access free and low-cost information on protecting and commercialising a business idea.

The service offers free access to high-quality UK and global market intelligence, customer insights and company data, worth over £5 million.

It also runs free workshops, one-to-one support sessions and mentoring delivered by library staff and public/private sector business experts and partners.

Of all the entrepreneurs who used the hub’s support services in the past three years, 53% were women, 18% identified themselves as being from a minority ethnic community, 17% were disabled, and 25% were aged 35 and under.

Andrew added: "If you are planning to start a business, you can get the help you need through The Mitchell Library, either in-person or by phone or email.”