The GM BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) Social Enterprise Network was launched at the Lloyds Bank Business Hub in Manchester city centre on the 24th February 2020 by GMCVO and GM BAME Network. BAME social entrepreneurs from across GM and a variety of sectors attended the launch event and there was excitement about the opportunity to network with other like-minded peers.
The launch of the network is the first step to delivering a project funded by the Connect Fund and People’s Postcode Lottery which aims to connect and enable BAME social entrepreneurs to thrive. We hope to support a range of BAME social entrepreneurs from those with an idea through to more established social enterprises through networking, mentoring and a capacity building programme.
The GM BAME social enterprise network will:
- Deliver a programme of informal BAME social entrepreneur engagement events
- Ensure BAME social entrepreneurs are aware that they are not alone and that both professional and peer support is available
- Connect BAME social entrepreneurs to wider social enterprise support and infrastructure organisations through receipt of information bulletins, invitations to events and market opportunities.
At the event, Atiha Chaudry, Chair of the GM BAME network welcomed attendees and explained why the network is being set up. Then Dayo Eseonu, Communications Officer at GMCVO shared findings and recommendations from local research about connecting BAME social entrepreneurs to social investment. Fellow social entrepreneurs Jonah Ogbuneke from Love for the Streets and Yvonne Edouke from Sawa BBQ also shared how social investment from GMCVO helped their social enterprise develop and grow. Finally, Anwar Ali of Upturn Enterprise - who has just been chosen to become a Honorary Fellow of Social Enterprise, UK - gave an inspirational talk about his extensive experience.
Gary Millar, GMCVO’s Social Enterprise Investment Manager said "it was great to hear so many supportive voices at the event".
To find out more about the GM BAME social enterprise network to join, request support or become a mentor, please, click here or contact: dayo.eseonu@gmcvo.org.uk / 07810 164129.
To find out more about the different social enterprise networks established in Greater Manchester, have an explore on the GMSEN Networks page.
