Black British Initiative’s Post

Thoughts from Ryan Knight on ACBN Canada Blog: Building Tomorrow: The 3rd Annual BEP Conference on Black Entrepreneurial Innovation and Growth. Every moment dedicated to creating spaces for innovation and entrepreneurial growth in the Black community is a chance to build generational impact. The 3rd Annual BEP Conference, hosted by the Afro Caribbean Business Network, isn’t just an event—it’s a powerful movement toward strategic growth, innovation, and shared success. This conference celebrates the ingenuity and resilience of Black entrepreneurs, spotlighting the work being done to overcome systemic barriers and unlock opportunities in industries where we’ve historically been excluded. It offers tactful frameworks to blend culture-driven values with cutting-edge entrepreneurial strategies. What stood out to me most is the recurring theme of collaboration. No entrepreneur scales on their own. Here are a few takeaways: - **Community Amplification**: How we support one another sets the tone for how businesses grow, which makes our ecosystem not just important but essential. - **Education as Empowerment**: Continued investment in financial literacy, funding access, and skill development lays the foundation for lasting economic strength. - **Data-Driven Solutions**: In a rapidly evolving world, Black entrepreneurs are leveraging research and innovation to remain competitive while creating businesses that reflect cultural authenticity. For the Black business community, initiatives like BEP are more than just conferences—they are lifelines. They shed light on proven pathways for success while reaffirming the importance of collective ambition. The question that has stayed with me since learning about this is—how can we continually build systems that shore up support and lessen the risk for Black entrepreneurs? Because building tomorrow isn’t about ideas; it’s about transformative action, which begins today. Blog Written by: Ryan Knight. View Full Blog Post here: https://lnkd.in/gUJ3sTAV

Top 5 Cities for Black Businesses to Succeed and Scale! Source: Good Soil Movement Platform 1. Atlanta, Georgia Why It's Great: Known as the "Black Mecca," Atlanta boasts a thriving Black entrepreneurial ecosystem. With strong support networks like the Atlanta Black Chamber of Commerce and abundant networking opportunities, Black businesses flourish here. Key Resources: Access to funding from organizations like the Russell Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (RCIE) and a robust community of successful Black-owned businesses. 2. Washington, D.C. Why It's Great: D.C. offers a diverse and affluent customer base, along with numerous government contracts and procurement opportunities. The city's rich history of Black entrepreneurship creates a supportive environment. Key Resources: Support from institutions like the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and local programs tailored to minority business owners. 3. Houston, Texas Why It's Great: Houston's dynamic economy and low cost of living make it an attractive city for Black entrepreneurs. The city's growing population and strong community support foster business growth. Key Resources: Access to funding and mentorship through organizations like the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce. 4. Charlotte, North Carolina Why It's Great: Charlotte's rapidly expanding economy and business-friendly environment offer ample opportunities for Black-owned businesses. The city is known for its supportive community and entrepreneurial spirit. Key Resources: Programs and resources provided by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce and other local business development initiatives. 5. Los Angeles, California Why It's Great: Los Angeles offers a large and diverse market, along with a vibrant cultural scene. The city's commitment to diversity and inclusion creates a favorable environment for Black entrepreneurs. Key Resources: Networking and funding opportunities through organizations like the Black Business Association of Los Angeles and various local incubators and accelerators.

Your voice will help advance the way we we think about Black Entrepreneurship in Canada.

💡 What does Black Business look like in the UK? In my last post, we talked about the powerful shift in Black educational achievement in the UK, with more Black students excelling at top universities. But here's the real question: What happens after they get that education? 🎓 Education is an investment in human capital, and in the case of Black professionals, it’s fueling entrepreneurial growth like never before! 🚀 📊 Over the past decade, there’s been an 80% increase in Black-owned businesses in the UK. From tech to fashion, finance to media, Black entrepreneurs are not just keeping pace; they’re leading the charge in innovation and economic growth. This is even more impressive in the context of a report "Ready for Business" by the Mayor of London office in 2004, black businesses were known to be overrepresented in industries such as "Hotels and Restaurants and Other Services (including membership organizations, recreational, cultural and sporting activities, and services such as hairdressing)." We are now in a place where black startups are centered around areas such as technology! What a story! 🔑 Education isn't just about diplomas — it's about creating opportunities, and Black entrepreneurs are proving that by building dynamic businesses across the country. The story we’re telling isn't one of barriers, but of strength and success. 📈 Take a look at the industry breakdown of Black startups in my second infographic — these businesses are shaping the future in ways we can all be proud of. Big shout out to the work done by The Black British Business Awards and UK Black Business Show for their work highlighting the excellent work! Data from the Office of national Statistics and the Black Report in collaboration with Google startups #BlackExcellence #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #Innovation #BlackHistoryMonth #ReclaimingNarratives #UKEconomy #BlackEntrepreneurs #EconomicPower

I've been involved with the African Diaspora Network for several years and I would like to make you aware of an opportunity for Black entrepreneurs in the US. Please share with interested parties: The African Diaspora Network in the process of recruiting entrepreneurs for the Accelerating Black Leadership and Entrepreneurship (ABLE). ABLE is an enterprise accelerator by the African Diaspora Network designed to strengthen, energize, and support startups and small businesses led by Black entrepreneurs in the United States. Applications are welcome from all industries, with a preference for those that are impact-oriented and in underrepresented sectors. Providing access to training, mentoring, and funding to Black entrepreneurs is critical in addressing historical and systemic inequities as well as promoting economic growth, innovation, and community development. It is a vital step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society given that most black entrepreneurs often face greater difficulties in securing funding due to barriers and a lack of networks. However, we can only achieve this with your support, and I ask that you help us share the application with your network. The deadline is Friday, June 28, at 11:59 PM PDT – apply or nominate an entrepreneur today: https://lnkd.in/gFsnede9 Learn more about ABLE at: https://lnkd.in/gtPu35u

Why do Black entrepreneurs avoid "good debt"? I recently attended a talk on funding for Black entrepreneurs, hosted by BDC, Futurpreneur, and RBC. It got me thinking about how Black people view debt, which led me to reflect on my experiences as a Black immigrant. In my home country, finances are mainly handled with cash or debt through trusted personal networks. But in Canada, things are different. The stable system here allows people to manage long-term financial commitments on their own. This shift in perspective from survival to long-term manageability made me realize the importance of proper financial management. Whether you're managing your finances yourself or seeking help, bad financials can hold you back, especially in Canada, as Osaru Erhunmwunsee B.sc, MBA, IFIC pointed out. Being an immigrant, navigating the new financial system can be challenging, especially when it's tempting to stick to what we know from our home country. Good financial advisors who understand the personal aspect of money can make a huge difference. Money is influenced by personal experiences, upbringing, values, and societal factors, affecting our beliefs, actions (like spending, saving, and investing), and emotions. This diversity in experiences highlights the need for a Black entrepreneurship fund and other specialized funding like the Youth entrepreneurship fund. A good advisor can help address these anxieties and help improve our relationship with money. Why do Black entrepreneurs avoid "good debt"? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.

In my latest blog post, I was able to share some insights I learned from an impactful Brookings Institution event hosted back in June titled “Supporting Black-owned Businesses to Drive Economic Development.” Panelist Alphonso David, President and CEO of Global Black Economic Forum, eloquently summarized the engaging discussion with his poignant observation that “Data after data after data, study after study after study, has proven = Diversity leads to innovation. Diversity leads to higher results.” Read more about the experience below!  https://lnkd.in/gGehAuvE

In case you didn't know. 😁 The eThekwini Municipality will be hosting a Resurgence Conference at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre on 17-21 July 2024 . It aims to facilitate a global Black economic revival and bring together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and government officials from the United States and South Africa to discuss strategies for economic growth and development. Here are some pointers on why this investment conference is a BIG DEAL for SA. 1. Economic Emancipation and Growth: The conference is centered around the theme "Moving the Needle Forward Towards Economic Emancipation." It aims to promote economic growth and development by bringing together Black businesses, community leaders, and not-for-profits with resources, institutions, governments, and corporations. This alignment can facilitate funding, procurement, trade, and various business exchanges, thereby driving economic development in South Africa. 2. Global Investment Opportunities: The event will attract high-profile leaders, investors, and businesses from the United States and other regions. This influx of international delegates can open up new markets for South African businesses, fostering trade and investment opportunities. The conference will feature trade shows and networking sessions that can lead to meaningful business collaborations and growth. 3. Learning and Development: The conference will feature insightful discussions and sessions on innovative strategies and business growth. Young entrepreneurs can learn about the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in various industries, equipping them with the knowledge to enhance their ventures. 4. Exposure to International Markets: By participating in this global event, young entrepreneurs can gain exposure to international markets and understand how to position their businesses for global expansion. This exposure can help them identify new clientele and collaboration opportunities beyond South Africa.

#Blacknewsscom John Hope Bryant Gives Albany State University $1.8M Grant For 70 Aspiring Entrepreneurs : Historically Black colleges and universities are known to play a crucial role in producing Black business owners and entrepreneurs.http://dlvr.it/TGqTYn The post John Hope Bryant Gives Albany State University $1.8M Grant For 70 Aspiring Entrepreneurs  first appeared on Blacknewss.com Media Solutions in African American Culture.

National Black Business Month, is observed every August, and is a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Black entrepreneurs to our nation's economy. With over 161,000 Black-owned businesses in the United States generating more than $183 billion annually, their impact is undeniable. However, despite this impressive economic contribution, Black Americans remain underrepresented among U.S. entrepreneurs and often face significant barriers to accessing funding from lenders, which can stymie their growth and success. In an effort to help close this opportunity gap, a variety of resources are available to support Black entrepreneurs. These include business grants, mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and financial literacy workshops. Organizations such as the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., the National Minority Supplier Development Council, and the Space Coast Black Chamber of Commerce, Inc. offer invaluable support tailored specifically to the unique challenges faced by Black business owners. Leveraging these resources can provide Black entrepreneurs with the tools and connections they need to thrive. Here on Florida’s Space Coast, the spirit of entrepreneurship is alive and well among our Black-owned businesses. From innovative tech startups such as Rolle IT to beloved local eateries such as Q’s Crackin’ Crab & Seafood Kitchen, these businesses enhance our community and economy. During National Black Business Month, we encourage everyone to make a conscious effort to support these enterprises. The Space Coast Black Chamber of Commerce’s Business Directory is a fantastic place to start, offering a comprehensive list of Black-owned businesses in the area. By choosing to shop with and support these businesses, we can contribute to a more inclusive and prosperous community for all. SCBCC Directory https://lnkd.in/gbkYQFKj