Overview

BUD Leaders, in partnership with Sumerian Foundation, were funded by Barrow Cadbury Trust to review and dismantle the barriers faced by Global Majority entrepreneurs to understanding and accessing social investment.

Over the course of 2 weeks, BUD Leaders hosted 3 online sessions, distributed daily resources, and facilitated reflection to support a cohort of Global Majority SMEs to understand more about social investment, demystify terminology and learn why and how it could benefit the growth of their businesses. In a safe and relaxed environment, participants heard case studies and testimonies from other Global Majority leaders who have received social investment before – allowing space to explore potential concerns, ask questions and collaborate to create solutions.

All participants continue to have ongoing access to our Black Brilliance Social Investment group on our online community, BLOC, where we will continue to provide tailored support as participants move further into their social investment journey.

Key Highlights 

We were grateful to have 5 inspiring and hardworking global majority participants who took time out of their busy schedule to take part in the first cohort of this programme. Their businesses range from championing equality and diversity in the workplace, natural skincare products that protect skin of colour, transforming neglected corporate buildings into social spaces, empowering young women to thrive personally and professionally and helping organisations plan their corporate and social events.

Participants got to hear from two black led business leaders – Shola Oladipo, founder of ‘Food for Purpose‘  and Shamar Simpson from ‘Kineara‘,  about their journeys acquiring social investment as Global majority  led businesses.

Amy Gutcher  from Sumerian Foundation, was on hand to answer some really key questions about social investment, sharing her experience and expertise on the topic.