Business and Economic Activity Survey
In Suffolk, there are many organisations who are positioned to help entrepreneurs and business owners.
There is, however, 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.
We are conducting a survey to identify whether;
- You have personally benefitted from any business support (ie; training and personal development, business planning, personal mentoring and coaching)
- Your business has benefitted from any support beyond advice (ie; business mentor, rent or rate concessions, grants, funding, any other financial support, investment, business loan or other business support etc.)
This survey is crucial In helping us to understand and identify where the disparities exist .
The results of this survey will be analysed and where your responses highlight any needs, knowledge or skills gap, we will then create a pathway for you to access the relevant help for you to build and grow a successful business.


Business and Economic Activity
The Business and Economic Activity Focus Group will focus on building a framework for equitable economic participation by proposing solutions that recognises the inequalities and equity gap which impacts the Black community in Suffolk.
Using Business to Inspire and Create Economic Equity, we will promote excellence in black businesses, boost entrepreneurship and be a catalyst for bridging the gap for black entrepreneurs to access real help, support, investment and business knowledge to build sustainable businesses that can grow, be profitable and scale.
Our Key Objectives
- Build a database (directory) and create a data hub for all Black businesses in Suffolk.
- Harness data to develop and build a case study clearly identifying the top 5 priorities for Black business owners and how they can be supported – especially in the period post Covid-19.
- Develop a strategy to encourage, promote the benefits and encourage Black business owners to adapt their businesses to meet the challenges of the new demand economy.
- Support existing Black business owners to adopt new business models to shape their businesses and make it investable.
- Coach and mentor entrepreneurs to build businesses that can continue to create value by understanding the key areas to focus on when thinking about starting a business or growing one.


Who Can Benefit
Our objectives are designed to serve;
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- Existing Black Business Owners (especially, those whose business have been impacted by COVID-19) –
Survival and Rebooting Programme (financial support and coaching to pivot business models) - Black Business Owners who need support to adopt and accelerate their Digital Transformation processes –
Training & Coaching to adopt Digital Transformation modalities - Aspiring Entrepreneurs or those looking to start their own business -Training & Coaching (Viable business models and opportunities in emerging markets)
- Existing Black Business Owners (especially, those whose business have been impacted by COVID-19) –
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;
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- Free Business Training.
- One-to-One Business Strategy Coaching
- Access to Startup funding & Investment opportunities
- Access to local and regional grants programmes
- Masterclass Sessions
- 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.
Suffolk Black Community Forum
Working together to build an equitable future for all.
All discussions and conversations are held in an open forum and invites views and perspectives from all walks of life.