Investment Readiness Accelerator launched to champion Black-owned businesses in the region
Applications are now open for a free Investment Readiness Accelerator initiative designed to accelerate growth for Black-owned SMEs across the region.
The free initiative has been made possible through a partnership between the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Black Business Collective and Oxford Innovation Advice.
It is backed by the Business Growth West Midlands Investment Readiness programme and funded via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The Investment Readiness initiative is designed to address the critical gap in securing investment for black owned SMEs due to the lack of 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.
Through the Investment Readiness Accelerator, Black led SME businesses can access expert-led investment readiness coaching to help position themselves for growth capital.
This is also a demonstrable model for inclusive economic participation for policy makers and government, reducing disparities in access to finance and contributing to regional productivity gains.
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, said: “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.”
Interested business owners can register via the Investment Readiness website.
Places on the programme are limited and will be awarded through an application process based on growth potential and commitment.
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 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 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.
Pictured from left to right: Alex Cole, Jack Francis Kelly, Karl George, Yetunde Dania
