The Birmingham Black Business Show held its second edition at the National Exhibition Centre within the city today, following the success of its inaugural launch last year.
FinIntell was at the show and reports that different business sessions at the event provided platforms where entrepreneurs and professionals from the same race came together to draw inspiration and learn from one another, especially those well experienced in business.
The organiser of the event, UK Black Business Show, founded by Raphael Sofoluke, said, “The talent and innovation showcased at the event were truly mind-blowing.”
Mr. Sofoluke, a serial entrepreneur and author of Nigerian descent, said the Birmingham version of the Business Show for the year focuses on building a sustainable Black business community for the West Midlands and set to celebrate Black excellence in entrepreneurship and career development.
“This year’s line-up is a testament to the remarkable talent within the local Black business community. We curated sessions that empower and inspire, providing invaluable opportunities for growth and networking. I am personally excited to witness the impact these sessions will have on our attendees, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to excel in their entrepreneurial and professional journeys.”
The event showcased various sessions on career development, skills building, business mindset, as well as personal and cooperate branding.
Social Enterprise, Right Mindset Required
A panel of inspirational social entrepreneurs, including Marvyn Harrison (Founder of Dope Black Dads), Aderonke Apata (Founder, African Rainbow Family), Maureen Lewis (Chief Officer, Walsall Black Sisters Collective), Matthew Gordon (CEO, Spectra), and Claudine Reid (Social Entrepreneur) walked the audience through strategies for making social enterprises financially sustainable while continuing to create meaningful impact within communities.
In another inspirational session, delegates discovered the power of mindset in achieving business success. Experienced entrepreneurs, including Delight Mapasure (Co-Founder, K’s Wors), Denise Myers (CEO, Evenfields), Atinuke Awe (Founder, Learning with Ez), and Carlton Cummins (Co-founder, Aceleron), shared their insights on maintaining a positive outlook, balancing personal and business priorities, and inspiring those around them.
On fundamentals for startups, especially for women in business, Justice Williams (Founder, Dream, Plan, Launch) and other panelists Lisa Carter (CEO, Discussion Box), Pamela Aculey (Founder, Just Like Me Picture Books), and Zoe Bennett (Founder, MBCC Awards) led an engaging workshop on the essential steps to building a successful business. Priceless insights were also shared on protecting intellectual property to creating multiple income streams.
Business Networking At Its Best
A participant at the show said, “Not only did I get to hear some great speakers, I had some great conversations with businesses that are really doing great things in the community and I have been very fortunate to make some new connections which I am very excited to explore.”
Some delegates said the event was a great sense of community as networking opportunities were endless. “It gave me the chance to talk about my business and learn new skill sets to push my brand further than ever before,” one added. “It’s effective, it works and it’s needed for our culture and community to support each other and uplift others and provide direction for success,” another concluded.
An elated participant said that this year’s edition was a great show to “reconnect with people and meet new people, hear their journeys and not only be inspired but reminded that we are all on the same path experiencing the same things you can often feel alone and in the corporate world as a black individual; so having that sense of community I found invaluable.”
