MSDUK, an organisation that champions the inclusion of ethnic minority businesses (EMBs) and founders in corporate supply chains, has partnered with Unilever, WPP, Google and Dow to launch the UK’s first accelerator programme focused on helping 300 EMBs to become supply chain ready.
Research shows that ethnic minority start-ups face a number of challenges to succeed and build sustainable businesses including a lack of early-stage investment, VC funding and access to social capital and mentors. These businesses are also under-represented in both public and private sector supply chains.
From today until 30 August, ethnic minority founders from across the UK with an innovative product or service can apply to join the -free four-month programme. With the first cohort of 40 ventures starting in October 2021, the initiative will provide a platform for ethnic minority founders to gain access to the expertise of MSDUK and its corporate partners via one-to-one mentoring sessions, attend group workshops, and have access to bespoke support packages and more.
The programme has been created with experiential learning at its core and by experts in corporate procurement and entrepreneurs with lived-and-learned experience. The EMBs will have the opportunity to stress-test their business models to align with corporate needs and successful partnerships could result from MSDUK’s wider corporate network.
