Month-long challenge to support small firms

Consumers and businesses are being encouraged to take part in a month-long challenge supporting small, local businesses.

Ahead of unveiling its new mentorship scheme, The Black Pounds Project has revealed details of its Business Challenge, which looks to raise awareness of Midlands based small businesses and encourage consumers to shop local.

Every weekday throughout February, participants will be sent an email containing a specific challenge.

For example, Monday might be to find a small online business beginning with the letter 'C ' and purchase an item from them. Tuesday might be to find a small local business and send them some words of encouragement.

In order for entries to qualify the small business must be Midlands based, registered, and should not turnover more than £10 million annually.

Cash prizes will be given to those who complete the most challenges throughout the month-long. The challenge will operate a points system and the leader board will be updated daily via The Black Pounds Project website.

Organisers of the challenge say that small businesses and recent start-ups across the region have been severely hit by effects of the pandemic, and would greatly benefit from some exposure and encouragement during this difficult time.

CJ Lloyd Webley (pictured), The Black Pounds Project founder and creator of the Small Business Challenge said: “I believe it is imperative that we promote inclusion across the board and look to support the wider business eco-system wherever possible. There is no better time than now to create something practical which can help bring the community together and lift people 's spirits. ”

The Black Pounds Project was established by CJ in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests last year. The organisation has raised, and is now in the process of distributing, funds to Black-owned businesses.

The organisation aims to provide further support to Black-owned businesses this year.

• If you 'd like to sign up, or find out more about the Small Business Challenge, click here for more details.