Accelerating growth opportunities for Black founders

GBCC Black Business Collective and Oxford Innovation Advice launch Business Growth West Midlands Investment Readiness Accelerator for Black-led SMEs in the West Midlands.

The Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s (GBCC) Black Business Collective (BBC), in partnership with Oxford Innovation Advice and backed by the Business Growth West Midlands Investment Readiness programme, today opens applications for a new Investment Readiness Accelerator initiative designed to accelerate growth for Black-owned SMEs across the region.

About the Black Business Collective

The GBCC Black Business Collective is a free subscriber network, conceived and led by Black business leaders, offering a platform for connection, support and empowerment. Its vision is clear: to empower Black-owned businesses and strengthen communities by nurturing economic growth, advocating equitable access, and amplifying voices within the wider economy. Members benefit from quarterly Collective events, wider GBCC event invitations, and a quarterly digital bulletin packed with insights and opportunities.

The network is steered by a dedicated committee including Chair Alex Cole, Honorary President Karl George MBE, Vice Chairs Justice Williams MBE and Keith Shayaam Smith, and recent additions such as Chris Cummins, Chantel Thompson, Landry Ntahe, Denise Myers, Matthew Innis, Uko Umotong, and Kwame Boateng.

About the Investment Readiness Programme

Funded via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered under the Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM) programme, the Investment Readiness initiative is designed to address a critical gap—many Black-led enterprises face barriers in securing investment not due to lack of potential, but access to tailored networks, advice, and pitch preparation.

As programme co-deliverers, Oxford Innovation Advice and the Black Business Collective will provide one-to-one mentoring, pitch refinement, investor introductions, and tailored coaching to prepare high growth SMEs for successful fundraising.

Alex Cole, Chair of the Black Business Collective, said: “Investment readiness is often a barrier—not lack of ideas. Through this partnership with Oxford Innovation Advice, we're giving Black entrepreneurs across the West Midlands the tailored support and network access they need to scale and compete on the global stage.”

David Ledbury, Stakeholder and Partnership Director at Oxford Innovation Advice, commented: “Collaborating with the Black Business Collective allows us to provide pragmatic, bespoke support for talented business leaders who are too often excluded from mainstream investor ecosystems. We’re proud to co deliver a programme that equips founders with the confidence, clarity and connections to raise capital.”

Jamie Elliott from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and Senior Delivery Manager for Business Programmes, said: “The WMCA is committed to inclusive economic growth. This initiative offers a route for under represented entrepreneurs to access vital investment, aligning fully with our strategy to unlock opportunities for all West Midlands communities.”

What this means for SMEs & policy makers

• For Black-led SME business owners: access expert-led investment readiness coaching—absolutely free—to help position your enterprise for growth capital.
• For policy makers and government: this is a demonstrable model for inclusive economic participation, reducing disparities in access to finance and contributing to regional productivity gains.

Next steps

Interested business owners can register for the Investment Readiness programme here. Places on the programme are limited and will be awarded through an application process based on growth potential and commitment.

With this launch, the GBCC Black Business Collective extends its mission—from community, advocacy and connection into tangible business development outcomes. This initiative reflects the Collective’s belief that inclusive ecosystems are essential for shared prosperity.