BABN Champions Fairer Access to the UK Help to Grow Management Programme for Ethnic Minority Businesses

BABN Advocates for Greater Access to the Help to Grow Management Programme

Small businesses are the backbone of the UK economy, yet many Ethnic Minority Businesses (EMBs) continue to face barriers when trying to access government-backed business support.
That is why representatives from the British African Business Network (BABN) recently attended a high-level Round Table discussion at the House of Commons to advocate for more inclusive access to the Help to Grow Management Programme.
The meeting brought together parliamentarians, representatives from the Department for Business and Trade, business leaders, and key stakeholders to discuss how existing eligibility requirements affect thousands of ambitious entrepreneurs across the UK.

Why This Matters for Small Businesses

The current eligibility criteria for the Help to Grow Management Programme require participating businesses to employ at least five people.

While designed to support growing businesses, this requirement unintentionally excludes many micro and small businesses—particularly Ethnic Minority Businesses that are often in earlier stages of growth but have significant potential.

For many entrepreneurs, the inability to access leadership training, mentoring, and growth support can slow business expansion and reduce opportunities to scale sustainably.

BABN’s Position:

BABN recommended that the eligibility criteria for the Help to Grow Management Programme should be reviewed to ensure that ambitious businesses with fewer than five employees are not excluded from accessing valuable growth support. This recommendation reflects BABN’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that African and Ethnic Minority entrepreneurs have equitable access to business development opportunities, funding, and government programmes.

One of the most impactful moments during the discussion came from business owners who shared their lived experiences.
Speaking from the perspective of a business owner employing fewer than five people, Kay Odetola highlighted how current eligibility requirements can unintentionally prevent many promising businesses from accessing support designed to help them grow. These real-world experiences helped reinforce the need for more inclusive business policies that reflect the realities of today’s entrepreneurial landscape.
The Round Table concluded with several encouraging outcomes. Participants discussed recommendations for improving access to government support and funding, while also agreeing to establish a collaborative platform where organisations can work together to support Ethnic Minority Businesses rather than waiting solely for policy changes. This collaborative approach represents an important step towards creating stronger networks, sharing resources, and advocating collectively for lasting change.

BABN’s Commitment to Business Growth

At BABN, advocacy goes beyond conversations. We work to ensure that African and Ethnic Minority businesses are represented where important decisions are made whether through engagement with policymakers, strategic partnerships, networking opportunities, or business support initiatives.
Our mission is to create an environment where entrepreneurs can access the knowledge, networks, and opportunities they need to grow sustainable businesses and contribute meaningfully to the UK economy.

If you’re an entrepreneur, founder, or business owner looking to connect with a community that advocates for your growth and success, BABN is here to support you.
Join our network to access business resources, networking events, policy updates, educational programmes, and opportunities designed to help your business thrive.
Together, we can build a more inclusive business ecosystem where every entrepreneur has the
opportunity to succeed.