In March 2020, Haringey’s SiLL (Start-ups in London Libraries) and Made by Tottenham teamed up to host a creative and social enterprise business panel event. The event was hosted at Marcus Garvey library in Tottenham and featured local and London based founders covering a range of business insights, tips and resources. The evening was moderated by local founders Sonja Scantlebury from 4U2 News Mag and Teelo Vasiliou from Frame Perfect. It was a great chance to learn and make new and refreshed local connections while celebrating an amazing group of female founders during Women’s History Month.

Following the success of the in-person events and their growing networks online during the pandemic, SiLL and Made by Tottenham are teaming up again to support local start-ups and SMEs. With funding from Haringey Council’s Good Economy Recovery Plan they have co-designed a business programme in collaboration with Echo called Haringey Networks, which aims to bring together diverse groups of business owners to adapt and thrive post lockdown. The aim of the programme is to solve challenges, uncover competitive advantages, and build a network of support and collaboration. As the world opens up post-lockdown, Haringey Networks offers a space to reflect, strategise and adapt with a supportive group of like-minded business owners at a similar stage in their business journey.

The high level of interest in the programme is a sign that there is a need and benefit for local businesses to connect and problem solve collaboratively on and offline. For local business owners and start-ups seeking additional support or who may have missed the deadline for the Haringey Networks programme, SiLL and Made by Tottenham have collated their business network resources.

In addition, businesses wanting to connect with Echo or other founders taking part in Haringey Networks can attend the showcase that will be happening this autumn. The event will be a great chance to connect or reconnect with local founders and business support providers. We hope that the showcase will be in person depending on guidance closer to the date and will be sharing the registration link for the event when it becomes available. To find out more about Echo's network and events visit: http://echoplusplus.economyofhours.com/