backing black business
200 years proud, Wray & Nephew sits at the heart of the African - Caribbean community, representing a unique, cross-generational icon within Black British culture. From suitcases on HMS Windrush as a taste and nostalgic memory of ‘home’, our beloved spirit has trickled into living rooms, dancehalls, community centres and bars - creating lifelong memories. Community is who we are and why we are here, and it’s time to give back.
We’ve been hard at work behind the scenes, and we are incredibly proud to launch Wray Forward, a multi-year commitment to nurture 300+ community businesses.
a programme for change
It takes a village. So we bought in the best of the best. We’re proud to partner with Foundervine, a social enterprise and accelerator for Black businesses and entrepreneurs. With them, we’re very excited to launch two bespoke programmes, 120 hours of masterclasses, and the support of 40+ credible partners. Together, we will champion the forward movement of Black businesses all over the UK.
Click here to sign up
WHAT’s happening in the community
The pandemic drove entrepreneurial spirit, with over 835,000 businesses registered in the UK, with a 42% increase vs 2019 (source: Small Business UK). Though according to the British Business Bank, Black entrepreneurs are still being held back with limited access to financial support, education and opportunities.
In particular, the music industry was one of the hardest hit segments - employment plunged by 35% and the industry’s economic contribution fell by 46% (source: Music Business Week). Despite some improvements in recent years, racism remains rife with 86% of people saying they have faced barriers to their career due to race (source: Black Lives in Music Report). The Wray Forward programme aims to support our entrepreneurial community by improving access and facilitating growth.
WHAT’s happening in the community
Wray Forward is a free programme built to change and support the foundations of our community.
Wray Forward is a pioneering, first-of-its-kind project to support the growth of both community businesses as well as the enterprises behind the artists we know and love.
Our programme is one that:
Makes an impact
Is inclusive
Showcases pride
Celebrates our community
Big or small, new or old, all businesses are welcome.
What we're doing
What we're doing
We’ve listened to your challengers and created two bespoke programmes by and for our community:
Digital Resilience for our Community hubs:
The high street is a challenging environment, so we are building a 9-month programme for community businesses to help you scale up, expand your network, and discover new opportunities.
Start date: 12th January 2022
Time commitment: 2-3 hours a month
Music Business Ownership Accelerator:
Black ownership in music is an issue we are committed to solving. We’ve built an intensive 3-month accelerator helping Black business owners in music increase visibility, scale up their business, and access investment.
Start date: April 2022
Time commitment: 2-3 hours a week
Both programmes include:
Workshops
Coaching sessions
Networking events
Pitching opportunities
With access to industry professionals such as Codilla Gapare, Alex Boateng, Shauni Caballero, and Lisa Buchan - to name a few - you will sit in on engaging workshops and regular talks from industry experts to keep the good vibes rolling!
Who we are looking for
Who we are looking for
Calling all Black founders, business owners and entrepreneurs!
Barbers, Hairdressers, Fashion Stylists, Make-up artists
Caterers / Food stall owners
FMCG, Hospitality, Restaurateurs
Technicians
Interior designers, Designers
Artist Managers, Booking Agencies, Managers & Independent Labels
Consultants, Creatives, DJs, Event Planners, Promoters & Publishers
Fashion Designers, Photographers/Videographers, PR personnel & Media Professionals
FMCG, Hospitality, Restaurateurs
What youwill gain
Whatyou will gain
Not only will you gain access to the following workshops:
Building your influence in 5 key steps
Securing your first brand partnership
How to market for growth
But you will also gain:
Business knowledge, advice and support
Tailored business resources
Virtual community and peer support
Post programme business support
An opportunity to showcase your business
Pitching opportunity to investors
Sign up forcommunityworkshops in 2022
We are looking for community focused businesses that are looking for an opportunity to scale up in their industry. If this sounds like you then click the link below to sign up for our workshops.
Click here to sign up
