UK Black Business Show, the organisers behind Birmingham Black Business Show, have launched the agenda for this year’s event, which is taking place at the NEC on Saturday 17 June. The first-of-its-kind event for the city, Birmingham Black Business Show will this year focus on building a sustainable Black business community for the West Midlands.
Set to celebrate Black excellence in entrepreneurship and career development, this year’s event promises to be a day of learning, networking, and inspiration. CEO Raphael Sofoluke has unveiled the full agenda for this year’s event and comments:
“I am so excited to unveil the agenda for the Birmingham Black Business Show, and to share our vision for this extraordinary event. This year’s line-up is a testament to the remarkable talent within the local Black business community.
We have curated sessions that will empower and inspire, providing invaluable opportunities for growth and networking. I am personally excited to witness the impact these sessions will have on our attendees, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to excel in their entrepreneurial and professional journeys. Get ready for a day filled with innovation, connections, and the celebration of Black excellence. I can’t wait to see you all there!”
Some of this year’s stand-out sessions include:
In Conversation With Sir Trevor Mcdonald – 17:05 (Main Stage)
Renowned broadcaster and OBE recipient, Sir Trevor McDonald, will take the stage for a captivating discussion about his illustrious career. Join moderator Shelley Bishton, Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at News UK, as they delve into Sir Trevor’s journey from Trinidad to becoming a prominent figure in the media industry.
Right Mindset for Success (sponsored by HSBC) – 10:20am (Main Stage)
Discover the power of mindset in achieving business success. Esteemed entrepreneurs, including Delight Mapasure (Co-Founder, K’s Wors LTD), Denise Myers (CEO, Evenfields, Founder of Black Talent Awards), Atinuke Awe (Founder, Learning with Ez), and Carlton Cummins (Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, Aceleron), will share their insights on maintaining a positive outlook, balancing personal and business priorities, and inspiring those around them. Stefan Johnson, Senior Business Development Manager at HSBC UK, will host the discussion.
Key Lessons For Building a Social Enterprise – 15:50 (Main Stage)
A panel of inspirational social entrepreneurs, including Marvyn Harrison (Founder Dope Black Dads, BELOVD Agency), Aderonke Apata (Founder, CEO, African Rainbow Family), Maureen Lewis (Chief Officer, Walsall Black Sisters Collective), Matthew Gordon (CEO, Spectra), and Claudine Reid MBE (Social Entrepreneur), will explore strategies for making social enterprises financially sustainable while continuing to create meaningful impact within communities.
Black to Basics – Fundamentals For Startups x Black Women in Business – 14:15 (Seminar Stage)
Join Justice Williams MBE (Founder, Dream, Plan, Launch) and esteemed panellists Lisa Carter (CEO & Founder, Discussion Box), Pamela Aculey (Founder, Just Like Me Picture Books), and Zoe Bennett (Founder, MBCC Awards) for an engaging workshop on the essential steps to building a successful business. From protecting intellectual property to creating multiple income streams, gain invaluable insights in this compact 30-minute session.
These are just a few highlights from the diverse and exciting line-up. The Birmingham Black Business Show agenda 2023 also features The Launchpad, where innovative Black-owned businesses will present to investors, buyers, and top-level executives. Additionally, attendees can explore free features on the show floor such as the Business Advice Hub, Careers Zone, Scale-up Sessions, to obtain 1-2-1 advice from experts.
Attendees can also join the ‘Meet the Experts’ roundtable sessions, covering a number of topics, which are great sessions to engage in dynamic, thought-provoking sessions that will leave attendees inspired.
The day will culminate with an unforgettable after party, providing an opportunity for networking and celebration. With entertainment, canapes and drinks, organisers are inviting attendees, exhibitors and VIPs to unwind and celebrate another successful year of Birmingham Black Business Show.
This extraordinary event is made possible through the support of sponsors, including HSBC, Lloyds Bank, Deutsche Bank, Business Growth West Midlands, eBay, B Lab, and Federation of Small Businesses (fsb), all of whom are committed to fostering Black excellence and promoting business growth in the community.
Tickets start at £30 and can be purchased online.
