National Black Civil Rights Organisation supports the next generation of Black entrepreneurs
What do an AI-driven insurtech company from London, a newly established artisanal spirits distillery in Scotland, and a South Yorkshire-based children’s educational app all have in common?
They are just three of the Black-led businesses that are part of the new cohort of the Black Equity Organisation’s F100 Growth Fund programme. The F100 Growth Fund, which is a partnership with Sky, aims to help overcome some of the significant barriers for Black entrepreneurs in Britain as they scale and grow their businesses.
Now heading into its third year, the F100 programme has so far helped 33 Black-led businesses with mentoring, funding, and access to Sky’s and other organisations’ supply chains. Previous participants include Mama Dolce, a luxury plant-based ice cream brand, whose newly launched mango flavour has recently won a Great Taste award and Gold at the Free From Food Awards. As well as Telle Moi who launched a rebrand of their inclusive nail polishes and was an official sponsor for Reign Mas Band at this year’s Notting Hill Carnival.
This year’s program showcases 15 diverse businesses across various sectors, including edtech, beauty, auto insurance, and recruitment:
Over the next ten weeks, these businesses will benefit from insights provided by a variety of experts, covering crucial topics such as sales, marketing, and accessing capital. At the end of the programme, each business will then pitch to a range of industry experts, angel investors, and have the opportunity to secure up to £15,000 in equity free funding each from the F100 programme.
Timi Okuwa, CEO of Black Equity Organisation commented: “The F100 Growth Fund has been a transformative force, empowering Black entrepreneurs and providing significant growth for Black businesses. I’m excited to see the remarkable contributions our newest cohort will bring.
“The limited funds available to Black entrepreneurs underscores the importance of BEO’s mission to drive economic empowerment and equity of opportunity for Black people and businesses, one of the focuses of our first-ever Black British mandate.
“In championing these entrepreneurs, the F100 Growth Fund is not just bridging a gap, but paving the way for lasting change and equity in the Black business landscape.”
David Carrigan, Group Director of Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing at Sky said: “At Sky, we are committed to fostering innovation and supporting Black entrepreneurial talent. We are excited about the range of ambitious businesses that have been accepted to this cohort of the F100 Growth Fund Programme. Supporting Black businesses is not only a matter of equity; it is crucial for driving economic growth across the UK and we are delighted to be part of this journey.”
NOTES TO EDITORS
Media contact
Main contact: Lateefah Jean-Baptiste
Email: press@blackequityorg.com
Number: 07384396463
About F100 cohorts:
About Sky
Sky is Europe’s leading media and entertainment company and is proud to be part of Comcast Corporation, a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. Across six countries, Sky connects 23 million customers to the best entertainment, sports, news, arts and to our own award-winning original content. Sky believes it can be a force for good in the communities in which it operates. It is committed to being Europe’s first net zero carbon entertainment company by 2030 and is proud to be a Principal Partner and Media Partner of COP26 – the UN Climate Change Conference.
Sky takes pride in its approach to diversity and inclusion: it has been recognised by The Times and Stonewall for its commitment to diversity and has set ambitious 2025 targets to continue to increase diversity and representation. Sky is also committed to investing £30million across its markets over the next three years to improve its approach to diversity and inclusion and tackle racial injustice.
About Black Equity Organisation (BEO):
The Black Equity Organisation (BEO), launched in 2022, is an independent civil rights charitable organisation aimed at advancing justice and equity for Black people and communities in Britain. BEO’s areas of focus are:
Its Board of Trustees comprises of: Dame Vivian Hunt (Chair), Siobhan Aarons, Athian Akec, Marc Boisson, Karen Blackett OBE, Michelle Daley, Kwame Kwei-Armah OBE, , Ric Lewis, Professor David Olusoga and Marcia Willis Stewart QC.
