Online series to tackle business disparities

An online series of business skills and funding workshops is being hosted to tackle major diversity and inclusion issues - following the publication of a damning report which found disparities in funding and business success for entrepreneurs from ethnic minority backgrounds.

The British Business Bank report, Alone Together: Entrepreneurship and diversity in the UK, described a number of major, persistent disparities in outcomes for business owners from ethnic minority backgrounds.

The report found that over a third of Black, Asian and minority ethnic business owners report making no profit last year, compared to 15 per cent of white, female business owners.

Just under half of Asian and minority ethnic entrepreneurs, 49 per cent, cited difficulties getting finance as a reason for stopping work on their business idea.

To combat disparities in funding and finance, the FSE Group is hosting the event series throughout February and March with major businesses, including Metrobank, Princes Trust, Big Society Capital and Chamber patron NatWest, to help promote access to support for businesses from underrepresented groups.

Harriet Saunders (pictured), fund executive at the FSE Group, added: “It is clear for us that we have a duty of care to help all communities and groups gain access to the relevant support available helping to unite Midlands businesses, driving regional growth and prosperity for all. ”

The next event, named Meet the Entrepreneur, will be hosted by FSE Group and Metrobank on 18 February.

The event is free to attend.

To register your place, click here