BDSBC began operations in 2006 and is a division of East London Small Business Centre (ELSBC). ELSBC has been operating in east London for almost 30 years, offering services in Tower Hamlets, Newham, Redbridge, Havering and Barking & Dagenham, and aims to regenerate through support and investment in local businesses.

Our team of professionals at BDSBC is growing to support the increasing business activity in the borough, although the core team has been based in Barking for a long time. We provide a wealth of knowledge to all entrepreneurs seeking support for their businesses.

Barking & Dagenham Small Business Centre is funded through the Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI). LEGI aims to release the economic and productivity potential of the most deprived areas across the country through enterprise and investment thereby boosting local incomes and employment opportunities.

Most of our services are fully sponsored by LEGI.

Barking & Dagenham has started its biggest transformation since the borough was first industrialised. While a third of its population receives State benefits and the local economy has suffered from business cutbacks, huge changes and opportunities are in prospect.

The 2012 Olympic Games are already creating a wide range of business opportunities, from specialist trades people to suppliers of materials and services.

Meanwhile, major investment is planned for Barking town centre, Barking Riverside, South Dagenham and Dagenham Dock and the borough's already excellent transport infrastructure - Central London is just half an hour away - is set for expansion.