The Black Pounds Project is a Community Interest Company.

It‘s time to make change. Literal change. Pocket change.

Many black businesses, who contribute enormously to Birmingham’s economy, have been severely hit because of COVID-19 and recent start-up businesses are at risk.

Now don’t get us wrong, we know none of us want to part with our hard earned cash, but seriously, it doesn’t cost a lot if we all share the load. We cannot continue doing the same thing over and over again and thinking things are going to be any different for the people in our communities.

Statistics indicate that black owned businesses have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. The following quotes highlight why this initiative is so important;

“The BAME community is one of the hardest hits in this pandemic and what is needed is community focused support that takes into account the norms of that society. The approach of a one size fits all cannot work here.” Shah Athar, UK Curry Connect.

“Make it easier for BAME business to obtain finance. not only in difficult times, but all the time.” Director, Fitness Business.

“Business advice and support has to be relevant to the needs of BAME businesses. Therefore, it is important to ensure that any individual providing this support must have Inter Cultural Competencies and that they can relate to the needs of the BAME business. This is not something unique as the same criteria needs to apply to any business seeking advice.” Business Programme Manager, London.

Our proposal is simple. Your donation will allow us to;

- Provide Mentorship for black owned businesses.

- Support business owners with their digital strategy

- Provide 1-1 Professional development coaching to assist with business improvement strategies.

- Provide 1-1 Personal development sessions to help business owners build resilience and a healthy work life balance.

- Provide pitching opportunities.

- Provide Introductions to key players within the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce via the Black Pounds Project network.

- Ask larger corporations to match the funds we have raised.

- Create a bank of specialists who can provide sector specific support.

- Support business owners with legal and regulatory compliance.

- Create a website with online form businesses to register.

- Create a series of seminars from experienced business advisers who will cover everything from business planning and marketing, to sales, budgeting and tax.

- Compile a list of registered black owned SME businesses in the West Midlands and other cities.

We will ask for all businesses involved with the project to submit a monthly blog post to our website so that project supporters can check progress, send messages of encouragement and build relationships.