New London — The city is hosting the second in a series of small business workshops on Thursday with a focus on how local small businesses can grow their brand through social media.

This workshop will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the gallery room of the Garde Arts Center at 325 State St. A third workshop is being planned for November.

Any New London business is invited to attend this free event.

The city has partnered with its communications, marketing and public relations firm, Quinn & Hary Marketing, to share their experience in promoting businesses on social media. The topic was selected based on respondents to the New London Small Business Survey.

Alicia Brothers, social media and content strategist for Quinn & Hary, will provide insight into modern social media trends and answer questions from New London businesses.

“The September workshop was a huge success. I think the small and intimate atmosphere really worked for the businesses that attended,” New London Economic Development Coordinator Peter Lent said. “Many of the businesses that attended that workshop have already said they plan to attend the social media event, it has really been a great opportunity for the city to directly respond to the needs of our businesses.”

Representatives from the New London Public Library also will be on hand Thursday to answer questions about public resources provided by the library. The library has been a center for educating New London businesses about new opportunities in technology, and hosts events such as the “Grow with Google” event this past February.

A third workshop is being planned for November and will focus on small business financing options through the city and various other grants and organizations. At the end of this series, the city will assess the success and impact of the workshops and, if there is interest, will plan similar events for 2020.

To RSVP for the event, contact Peter Lent at PLent@ci.new-london.ct.us.