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Championing Potential
Supporting Ethnic Minority Businesses
Tapping into the potential of Ethnic Minority owned businesses
We’re building a purpose-led bank that champions the potential of people, families and businesses across the UK. To do this we’re focussing on areas where we can bring the biggest positive impact across society. In 2022, we partnered with The Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship (CREME) at Aston University for the Time to Change report which sets out ten evidence-based recommendations to promote greater success and inclusion of Ethnic Minority businesses (EMBs) in finance and business support in the UK.
What’s happening?
Growing businesses are an essential part of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. And supporting these businesses in the right way is key to the recovery of the UK’s economy. That's why we're proud to collaborate with organisations supporting Ethnic Minority entrepreneurs and their businesses with wraparound support.
We’re:
- through our enterprise programme we’ve committed that 20% of our support is directed to Ethnic Minority individuals.
- being active thought leaders through reports such as The Time to Change report and research carried out by the Lending Standards Board.
- reaching more communities through partnerships with organisations such as Black Seed, Hatch Enterprise and the Black Business Entrepreneurs Conference.
- supporting your business ambitions with our help and tools.
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And why?
Hear more about our progress on implementing the report’s recommendations from Sharniya Ferdinand, Enterprise Community Strategy Director.
"When the Time to Change report launched, we committed to playing an integral role in the change that is required. I'm proud to say that we have been doing just that."
Julie Baker, Head of Strategic Partnerships
"Delivering the right message to the right people is important to us and this needs to be reflected in how we engage our communities."
Blessing Mutamba, Business Inclusion Programme Manager
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We're committed to providing business support and training. Whether you're just starting out in business or preparing to grow, our specialist programmes and library of articles, podcasts, videos and toolkits are available to help you take your next step.
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Our tools, programmes and partnerships are designed to drive your entrepreneurial spirit and creativity, and we’ll support you to achieve your ambitions. Whether you’re starting-up, growing or scaling-up a business, we want to help. We’ve also collaborated with industry wide thought leaders to shift the dial on better supporting and interacting with Ethnic Minority business communicates across the UK.
The Time to Change report which we published in partnership with Aston University’s Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship.
The Lending Standards Board’s report on Increasing Access to Finance for Ethnic Minority led businesses which NatWest contributed to.
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Build your business
Our Business Builder programme has been tailored to early stage start-up entrepreneurs. It's an amazing journey that is fully funded for entrepreneurs that want to grow.
You don't even have to be a NatWest customer.
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Grow faster with our help
Up and coming entrepreneurs have the chance to apply for free support on our Accelerator programme to help you to develop your business. If you’re keen to get involved, applications are open now for the next intake, so be quick!
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Be part of a community
We run a calendar of national events where you’ll get the chance to meet like-minded entrepreneurs, partners, and potential mentors. Informed by recommendations from the Time to Change report and the bank’s commitment to supporting Ethnic Minority owned businesses, these events are designed to break down barriers to Enterprise for Ethnic Minority owned businesses.
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MBA30 with BBI and SOAS
We’re supporting the Black British Initiative (BBI) who are partnering with SOAS University of London and the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation to support Black entrepreneurs in business.
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Business Incubation with Hatch Enterprise UK
We’re working with The Hatch Enterprise UK who support underrepresented entrepreneurs to develop the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to launch and grow a business.
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Loans and finance options
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Explore our products and services
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Support for existing customers
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Time to Change? Support for Ethnic Minority Businesses
We’re proud to have partnered with Aston University’s Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship (CRÈME) to publish the Time to Change report. It sets out 10 recommendations to promote greater success and inclusion of Ethnic Minority Businesses in the UK, and could increase Gross Value Added (GVA) contributions to the UK economy by 300%.
Business management
Insights and analysis for your business, with up-to-date articles and video content on all sorts of subjects that might be useful, whatever stage your business is at. Browse our selection and see what you could learn today.