Black Pounds Project
Published: 26 June 2023
How CJ Webley Founded This Successful Business
Its Purpose
Established in 2020, the Black Pounds Project was established with the aim of providing funded business support to black entrepreneurs, equipping them with the necessary resources and assistance to thrive. The project offers mentoring, training, and membership packages to jumpstart their careers and businesses.
CJ Webley started the Black Pounds Project after recognising the challenges faced by black entrepreneurs in accessing assistance for business growth. He found out that business owners from ethnic minority backgrounds often felt uncertain about where to seek guidance and support.
Its Successes
Reflecting on the project's progression, CJ said, "When I started the Black Pounds Project, my goal was to help support black and diverse entrepreneurs. I never expected it to grow as much as it has. In a little under three years, we've supported over 2000 entrepreneurs from all across the UK, mentored 750 students to realise their ambitions, and we’ve been featured on mainstream news 30 times."
Business Support Accessed
During the project's early stages, CJ explored the various local support options available through partner organisations in the region. This guidance directed CJ towards NatWest's Accelerator programme. Alongside additional funded support services, including access to finance, mentoring, assistance with exports, and intellectual property guidance for businesses at every stage of their journey.
In October 2022, CJ launched the Black Pounds Project's retail space in Birmingham City Centre's Great Western Arcade. It marked the first-ever store dedicated to black-owned businesses. CJ shared, "Through accruing sufficient funding, we were able to establish a physical store and introduce products from black-owned businesses into a retail environment."
Building on the success of the initial pop-up shop, the Black Pounds Project has opened another store at Unit 5, No.31, Grand Hotel, Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 2BS.
Get In Touch
For further information, please visit the website www.blackpoundsproject.org.
If you, like CJ, require assistance and support in growing your business, please get in touch with Business Growth West Midlands by making an enquiry or by calling 0345 646 1352.
