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Action for Race Equality

Action for Race Equality

Empowering Young People who are Black, Asian and of Mixed Heritage

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Business

Businesses led by Black, Asian and those of Mixed Heritage represent a vital yet underserved segment of the UK’s business landscape.

Despite their significant potential to drive economic growth, innovation, and job creation, these business owners face systemic barriers that limit their access to essential resources and opportunities.

Islington Business Support Programmes

Supporting small local businesses.

Barriers to business success

Despite their significant potential to drive economic growth, innovation, and job creation, these business owners face systemic barriers that limit their access to essential resources and opportunities.

Access to Finance

Black, Asian and those of Mixed Heritage who are entrepreneurs, face higher refusal rates for business loans, with barriers including insufficient collateral, limited credit history, and both perceived and actual discrimination from financial institutions.

Limited Business Networks

Reduced access to established business networks and mentorship opportunities limits growth potential and market expansion possibilities for minority-led enterprises.

Limited Business Networks & Cultural barriers

Entrepreneurs lack access to fundamental business training in areas such as financial management, marketing, digital skills, and regulatory compliance. Language difficulties and unfamiliarity with UK business culture can impede access to support services and market opportunities.

Black, Asian and Minority ethnic-led businesses are estimated to contribute £25 – £32 billion annually to the UK economy. Many are leaders in innovation and engage in higher levels of entrepreneurial activity than their white counterparts.
Source: Federation of Small Businesses

ARE is working closely with local councils, government bodies and funders to support business leaders from ethnic minority backgrounds to realise their unique potential, and further their business aspirations.

Our programmes are designed using best practice research and are continuously evaluated to ensure maximum effectiveness. We work with local partners to ensure cultural sensitivity and community relevance while maintaining high professional standards.

Since our foundation, Action for Race Equality has championed growth for enterprises led by Black, Asian and Minority ethnic individuals. As the Black Training and Enterprise Group, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities made-up the heart of our projects and programmes.

Today, we continue to provide training and coaching on a range of topics including organisational development and equality, diversity and inclusion strategies through our free programmes or paid-for consultancy.

Recent research demonstrates that targeted support for ethnic minority businesses: 

Increases business survival rates by up to 40%
Increases business survival rates by up to 40%
Creates an average of 2.3 additional jobs per supported business within 18 months.

Interested in our work in this area?

Inclusive Entrepreneurs

Discover Inclusive Entrepreneurs

Enterprise Support Programme

Discover Enterprise Support Programme

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Looking for information on a completed ARE project? If you can’t find it on our website, let us know.

Training & Consultancy

... a very thought provoking Diversity and Unconscious bias training session for all of our line managers. The trainers were excellent at providing …

Find out how we can help your organisation take action on race equality. about Training & Consultancy

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Company registration No 03203812

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