Business, Employment and Economic Activity

Helping Suffolk’s Black Community achieve economic potential and business success

Inspire Innovate Invest

To inspire a new breed of entrepreneurs using entrepreneurship as a vehicle to drive social change and building economic sufficiency.

Business & Employment Support Programmes

Training, Mentoring, Guidance & Coaching Programmes designed to support you into Employment or to start your own Business.

Business Development

InBiz1000™

Explore new opportunities through business coaching, mentoring support, guidance and help to start your own business.

Learn More

Employment Support

ReStart

A range of employment support programmes to help you back into work or learn new skills for future jobs.

Learn More

Entrepreneurship

TheBizKidzClub™

A Scholarship Programme Introducing Young People to Entrepreneurship and the world of business enterprising.

Learn More

Research & Feedback

Business Survey

Share your experiences about starting your own business to help us better provide you with the support you need to start and successfully grow your business.

Learn More

Employability Skills

Apprenticeships

Modern Apprenticeships Programmes and opportunities to build competency in employable skills.

Learn More

Business and Economic Activity Survey

There is strong evidence that shows that entrepreneurs and business owners from Black & Mixed Black Heritage backgrounds are disproportionately disadvantaged when trying to access real and tangible help in their business’ journey.

This survey is crucial In helping us to understand and identify where the disparities exist and your responses will help us advocate for and address the inequalities where they exist.

Take The Survey

Business and Economic Activity Strategy Framework – Objective 2

To build capacity and harness opportunities to encourage economic activity by promoting and encouraging participation in entrepreneurship and business ownership among Black people.

The “Business” Directory will help catalog and raise the profile of Black businesses and support the promotion and marketing of Suffolk Black Entrepreneurs and Business owners with a focus on the local and regional market opportunities.

Benefits of joining the directory include;

1. Free Business Training.
2. One-to-One Business Strategy Coaching
3. Access to Startup funding & Investment opportunities
4. Access to local and regional grants programmes
5. Masterclass Sessions
6. Business “Q&A”Surgeries

We look forward to welcoming you and your business and working together to help you take your business to the next level.

Your Business, inclusion and Co-operation matters…

Please complete the form below to include your Business in the database. Inclusion enables you to benefit from all the opportunities and support available to help you and your business grow. We hope to work together to create an equitable platform for all.

- Step 1 of 6

1. About Your Heritage

Are you a member of the black community? *

Which of the below identifies with your heritage? *

Black African
Black American
Black Asian
Black British
Black Caribbean
Black European
Other Black Dual Heritage

Please make sure to read the following terms and conditions

The Suffolk Black Community Forum is primarily for Black people in Suffolk to come together to discuss ideas around solutions and find new ways to work together to create an equitable community to benefit all.

It is an inclusive forum, and one for Black people living and working in Suffolk to join together in building bridges with all other communities across Suffolk, identify challenges around inequalities and how best to work with the wider community to bring about positive change.

Our mission is to build bridges across cultures, raise aspirations and expectations of our people, instill African cultural & educational values, improve the health and wellbeing of our community, use business to inspire and implement solutions to solve problems and develop partnerships to create economic equity for black people that will benefit all communities.

The Business & Economic Activity Sector is focused on working with Black Business Owners and Entrepreneurs to address the challenges of disproportionate opportunities in Investments, Business Support and Knowledge gap to ensure Black Business owners can aspire and build sustainable businesses than can grow and scale.

This statement forms part of our full terms and conditions (under development) and demonstrates our commitment through the work we are currently engaged in, to build new and enhance existing partnerships with key stakeholders that will help us focus our work through collaborative thinking to develop strategies and services that challenges racism, discrimination and inequalities impacting the lives of Black people.

A complete terms of engagement document will be uploaded here once completed.

You can still support our causes or contribute to our efforts in several ways and we invite all sections of the community to become friends of the Suffolk Black Community Forum.

Would you like to know more about the SBC Forum? *

I am *

A Business Owner
Thinking about starting a business

2. About Your Business

What business are you looking to start? *

250 Word Limit - Please be precise

Your Business Name *

Is Your Business Registered with Companies House? *

Where does your business operate from? *

Online
Business Premises
Premises & Online
From Home

Where does your business operate from? (copy) *

Online
Business Premises
Premises & Online
From Home

Registered Business Address *

Address Line 1

City

State / Province / Region

Postal Code

Provide a valid URL/Link to your Business *

2. About Your Enquiry

I am interested *

For Myself
For My Business
On behalf of An Organisation

Would you like to know more about the Business & Economic Activity Group? *

Use this space to tell us how we can help. *

250 word limit apply - Please be specific

3. About Your Business (cont'd)

What is your Business' Status? *

Limited By Guarantee
Limited By Shares
Partnership
Franchise
Registered Charity

What is your Operational Status? *

Sole Proprietor
Self Employed
Other

What industry is your business in? *

Example: Real Estate

What industry is your proposed business in? *

Example: Real Estate

What sector does your business represent? *

Example: Property Rentals

How long have you been officially trading? *

Under 1 year
Under 2 years
Over 2 years

Please indicate the number of years you've been trading?

Selected Value: 1

How many employees including management work in your business? *

1-10
10 - 49
50 - 99
100 - 200
Over 200

Does your business have a website? *

Your Business Website / URL *

Does your business have a Social Media presence? *

Does you have a Social Media presence? *

Please select all that apply *

Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
LinkedIn
Youtube
Other

Please use this space to list all links to your Social Media pages. *

One link per line and separate each link with a comma.

3. About Your Enquiry (cont'd)

The Suffolk Black Community Business & Economic Activity Sector is focused on working with Black Business Owners and Entrepreneurs to address the challenges of disproportionate opportunities in Investments, Business Support and Knowledge gap to ensure Black Business owners can aspire and build sustainable businesses than can grow and scale.

Does your business or organisation's work directly support Black Businesses? *

Do you or your work directly support Black Businesses? *

4. Business Support

Which of these area(s) of support will benefit you and your business? *

New Business Development
Business Process Development
Getting My Business Online
Value Proposition Design
Branding (Business/Products)
Discovering Market Opportunities
Identifying My Ideal Customers
Business Marketing
Social Media Marketing for Business
Developing a Sales Strategy
Business Investments
Developing a Sales Pipeline
General Business Strategy
Something else

Which of these area(s) would you need help with your business? *

How to develop my ideas further
How to Launch my Business
Getting My Business Online
Test Marketing
Business Startup Funding
Branding
Identifying Market Opportunities
Identifying My Ideal Customers
Everything about Marketing
Social Media Marketing for Business
Developing a Sales Strategy
Developing a Sales Pipeline
General Business Strategy
Something else

Please use this space to provide some more detail *

4. More about you, your business or organisation

Please use this space to tell us how you or your work supports Black Businesses *

Is there anything we can help with? *

Use this space to tell us how we can help. *

5. Personal Details

Please complete and submit. We will be in touch shortly.

Would you like us to stay in touch and keep you posted on latest events and news? *

Name *

First

Last

Email *

Username *

Short Bio *

Share a little information about yourself.

5. Personal Details

Please complete and submit and we will respond to your enquiry shortly.

Would you like us to stay in touch and keep you posted on latest events and news? *

Your Name *

First

Last

Your Email *

GDPR Agreement *

I consent to having this website store my submitted information so they can respond to my inquiry.

We respect your privacy and will endeavour protect your personal information at all times. We do not share or sell your information to any third parties. Please make sure to read and familiarise yourself with our full privacy policy here.

Website

Suffolk Black Community Forum

Working together to build an equitable future for all.

Join the conversation

Al meetings and discussions are held in an open forum. We invite views and perspectives from all members of the Black and Mixed Black Heritage Communities.

Business and Economic Activity Survey

- Step 1 of 6

Why are we conducting the survey?

There is some evidence that shows entrepreneurs and business owners from Black & Mixed Black Heritage backgrounds are disproportionately disadvantaged when trying to access real and tangible help in their business’ journey.

Why your opinion matters?

As a business owner, founder or entrepreneur, this survey is crucial in helping us to understand and identify where the disparities exist.

What happens next?

The results of this survey will be analysed and where your responses highlight any inequalities, knowledge or skills gap, we will advocate for equality and where possible, create a pathway for you to access the relevant help in order to build or continue to grow your business successfully.

Thanks for participating

2. About Your Heritage

Are you a member of the black community? *

Which of the below identifies with your heritage? *

Black African
Black American
Black Asian
Black British
Black Caribbean
Black European
Other Black Dual Heritage

Please make sure to read the following terms and conditions

The Suffolk Black Community Forum was setup to advocate, source solutions and find new ways to work together with all stakeholders to create an equitable community to benefit all.

The Business & Economic Activity Sector is focused on working with Black Business Owners and Entrepreneurs to address the challenges of disproportionate opportunities in Investments, Business Support and Knowledge gap to ensure Black Business owners can aspire and build sustainable businesses than can grow and scale.

I am *

A Business Owner
Thinking about starting a business

The Suffolk Black Community Forum was setup by members from the Black Community to advocate, source solutions and find new ways to work together with all stakeholders to create an equitable community to benefit all.

The Business & Economic Activity Sector is focused on working with Black Business Owners and Entrepreneurs to address the challenges of disproportionate opportunities in Investments, Business Support and Knowledge gap to ensure Black Business owners can aspire and build sustainable businesses than can grow and scale.

This statement forms part of our full terms and conditions (under development) and demonstrates our commitment through the work we are currently engaged in, to build new and enhance existing partnerships with key stakeholders that will help us focus our work through collaborative thinking to develop strategies and services that challenges racism, discrimination and inequalities impacting the lives of Black people.

A complete terms of engagement document will be uploaded here once completed.

Would you like to know more about the SBC Forum? *

4. About Your Business

What business are you looking to start? *

250 Word Limit - Please be precise

Is Your Business Registered with Companies House? *

What is your Business' Status? *

Limited By Guarantee
Limited By Shares
Partnership
Franchise
Registered Charity

What is your Operational Status? *

Sole Proprietor/Trader
Self Employed
Other

Please indicate the number of years you've been trading?

Selected Value: 1

Where does your business operate from? *

Online
Business Premises
From Home
Premises & Online
Home & Online

How many employees including (including yourself) work in your business? *

1-9
10 - 49
50 - 99
100 - 200
Over 200

Do you have any specific questions? *

5. Business Support

What industry is your proposed business in? *

Example: Real Estate

Have you ever sought personal help or support for your business? *

I sought - (Tick all that apply below) *

Personal help
Help for my business
None of the listed

Indicate if you've ever sought personal help or support regarding your business? *

Personal Help
Business Support
None

Which of these area(s) did you seek help for yourself? *

Business Training
Business Coaching
Business Planning
Personal Mentor
Benefits
Something else

Which of these area(s) did you seek help for your business? *

Business Mentoring
Business Expertise Advice
Startup Grants (Local)
Business Funding (National)
Business Loan
Local Authority Concessions
New Business Partnerships
Something else

Use this space to provide some more detail about the support you sought and whether you got the help you needed. *

Were you aware of any personal support and help for businesses? *

Would you like to see a list of available support for yourself or business *

Which of these area(s) would you like help for yourself? *

Business Training
Business Coaching
Business Planning
Personal Mentor
Benefits
Something else
I don't need any help

Which of these area(s) would you like help for your business? *

Business Mentoring
Business Expertise Advice
Startup Grants (Local)
Business Funding (National)
Business Loan
Local Authority Concessions
New Business Partnerships
Something else
I don't need any help

Use this space to provide some more detail about the support you need for yourself or your business based on your selection(s) above. *

Use this space to tell us why you've chosen not to pursue any of the help available. *

You could say things like; the process is too complex, I didn't understand how it worked or I didn't meet the set criteria.

Use this space to tell us your reasons for not accessing any personal help or support for your business. *

You could say things like; the process is too complex, I didn't understand how it worked or I didn't meet the set criteria.

Use this space to tell us your reasons for not accessing any personal help *

You could say things like; the process is too complex, I didn't understand how it worked or I didn't meet the set criteria.

Use this space to tell us your reasons for not accessing any support for your business. *

You could say things like; the process is too complex, I didn't understand how it worked or I didn't meet the set criteria.

Would you like to access some "In-Business" Support and help *

Yes
No
Not sure

Ongoing training, coaching and mentoring in your business.

Which of these area(s) would benefit you in your business development process? *

How to develop my ideas further
How to Launch my Business
Getting My Business Online
Test Marketing
Business Startup Funding
Branding
Identifying Market Opportunities
Identifying My Ideal Customers
Everything about Marketing
Social Media Marketing for Business
Developing a Sales Strategy
Developing a Sales Pipeline
General Business Strategy
Something else

Please use this space to tell us or explain what specific help you need with your business? *

Great, what would you like to know? *

Would you like to receive our newsletter? *

6. Personal Details

Your Contact Email *

Thank you for completing the survey

Your input, opinions, views and comments are crucial in helping shape the conversations about Black Businesses and entrepreneurship.

You're in the Prize Draw

Please complete your details below and submit. Your details will be entered into our prize draw and 2 Winners will be drawn from the database to receive Amazon Gift Vouchers.

Would you be happy for us to stay in touch and keep you posted on any new developments and share the results of the survey with you? *

Your Name *

First

Last

Your Email *

GDPR Agreement *

I consent to having this website store my submitted information so they can respond to my inquiry.

GDPR Statement *

I consent to having this website store my submitted information for evaluation purposes.

Employment Support

- Step 1 of 5

1. About You

Are you a member of the black community? *

Which of the below identifies with your heritage? *

Black African
Black American
Black Asian
Black British
Black Caribbean
Black European
Other Black Dual Heritage

Please make sure to read the following terms and conditions

The Suffolk Black Community Forum is a platform to bring members of the community together to discuss ideas around solutions and find new ways to work together to create an equitable community to benefit all.

It is an inclusive forum, and one for Black people living and working in Suffolk to join together in building bridges with all other communities across Suffolk, identify challenges around inequalities and how best to work with the wider community to bring about positive change.

The Business, Employment & Economic Activity Group is focused on creating an equitable market to promote entrepreneurship and support business growth as well as providing employment support and pathways into modern apprenticeships.

Would you like to know more about the Forum and it's work? *

Are you looking to access the Employability Support Programme? *

I need help with *

Finding Employment
Changing Jobs
Something Else

2. About Your Current Employment Status

Are you looking for full or part-time employment *

Full-time
Part-time

How many hours a week are you looking for? *

Under 16
16 or more

Please indicate how long you have been looking for work *

0-3months
3-6months
6-12months
12-18months
18-24months
Over 2yrs

What do you currently do for work? *

250 Word Limit - Please be precise

Please indicate how long you have been in your current employment? *

0-3months
3-6months
6-12months
12-18months
18-24months
Over 2yrs

Do you have a Current or an Up-to-date CV *

Do you have your own transport? *

Yes
No
Other

What would you like help with? *

250 Word Limit - Please be precise

Do you have any specific questions? *

3. Employability Support

Would you like help with preparing an Up-to-date or Current CV? *

In what industry are you looking for employment? *

Example: Real Estate

What has been the biggest hurdle in your search for employment? *

What has been the biggest hurdle in your Employment transitioning process? *

Where do you currently reside? *

Address Line 1

City

State / Province / Region

Postal Code

Which of these area(s) have you previously had help with? *

CV Writing
Interview Techniques
Presentation
Writing personal statements
Employer Networking
Jobs Finder
Employer Engagement
Filling In Job Applications
Something Else
None

Use this space to provide some more detail about any specific help you need *

Great, what would you like to know? *

Are any of these services area(s) of interest? *

CV Writing
Interview Techniques
Presentation
Employer Networking
Jobs Finder
Employer Engagement
Filling In Job Applications
Something else

You indicated "Something else" above. Can you tell us more? *

Would you like to receive our newsletter? *

5. Personal Details

Please complete and submit. We will be in touch shortly.

Would you be happy for us to stay in touch and keep you posted on employment opportunities or programmes that will be helpful to you in your search for employment? *

Your Name *

First

Last

Your Email *

Your Contact Email *

GDPR Agreement *

I consent to having this website store my submitted information so they can respond to my inquiry.

GDPR Statement *

I consent to having this website store my submitted information for evaluation purposes.

Message

Modern Apprenticeships

- Step 1 of 5

1. About You

Are you a member of the black community? *

Which of the below identifies with your heritage? *

Black African
Black American
Black Asian
Black British
Black Caribbean
Black European
Other Black Dual Heritage

Please make sure to read the following terms and conditions

Would you like to know more about the Forum and it's work? *

Are you looking to access the Employability Support Programme? *

I need help with *

Finding Employment
Changing Jobs
Something Else

2. About Your Current Employment Status

Are you looking for full or part-time employment *

Full-time
Part-time

How many hours a week are you looking for? *

Under 16
16 or more

Please indicate how long you have been looking for work *

0-3months
3-6months
6-12months
12-18months
18-24months
Over 2yrs

What do you currently do for work? *

250 Word Limit - Please be precise

Please indicate how long you have been in your current employment? *

0-3months
3-6months
6-12months
12-18months
18-24months
Over 2yrs

Do you have a Current or an Up-to-date CV *

Do you have your own transport? *

Yes
No
Other

What would you like help with? *

250 Word Limit - Please be precise

Do you have any specific questions? *

3. Employability Support

Would you like help with preparing an Up-to-date or Current CV? *

In what industry are you looking for employment? *

Example: Real Estate

What has been the biggest hurdle in your search for employment? *

What has been the biggest hurdle in your Employment transitioning process? *

Where do you currently reside? *

Address Line 1

City

State / Province / Region

Postal Code

Which of these area(s) have you previously had help with? *

CV Writing
Interview Techniques
Presentation
Writing personal statements
Employer Networking
Jobs Finder
Employer Engagement
Filling In Job Applications
Something Else
None

Use this space to provide some more detail about any specific help you need *

Great, what would you like to know? *

Are any of these services area(s) of interest? *

CV Writing
Interview Techniques
Presentation
Employer Networking
Jobs Finder
Employer Engagement
Filling In Job Applications
Something else

You indicated "Something else" above. Can you tell us more? *

Would you like to receive our newsletter? *

5. Personal Details

Please complete and submit. We will be in touch shortly.

Would you be happy for us to stay in touch and keep you posted on employment opportunities or programmes that will be helpful to you in your search for employment? *

Your Name *

First

Last

Your Email *

Your Contact Email *

GDPR Agreement *

I consent to having this website store my submitted information so they can respond to my inquiry.

GDPR Statement *

I consent to having this website store my submitted information for evaluation purposes.

Website

Business Startup & Accelerator Programme

What Can You Expect?

What you will learn

What Support Is Available?

Extensive business support