A Master of Business Administration (MBA) course to support underserved black entrepreneurs launched this month.
SOAS University of London (School of Oriental & African Studies) and the Black British Initiative has launched the course, specifically designed to support undeserved black entrepreneurs.
The certificate-level qualification, named MBA 30, will enrol its first cohort in September 2023 and aims to address the challenges and disadvantages faced by black people entering the world of business.
The MBA 30 has been curated to provide black entrepreneurs with the necessary skills, knowledge, and networks to thrive in their respective industries. The course curriculum encompasses a wide range of essential business areas, including leadership, marketing, decision-making, market and trend analysis, and strategy.
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To commemorate the 30th anniversary of Stephen Lawrence's passing, the MBA 30 programme will enrol 30 students per cohort. The first cohort will commence their studies in September.
The MBA 30 is sponsored by organisations such as NatWest, Vodafone, Clyde and Co, Paramount Global, Nobody's Child, Eco Age, and pHKind, amongst others.
NatWest managing director and head of business banking, Andrew Harrison, said: “At NatWest, we’re committed to supporting Black entrepreneurial talent and supporting the next generation of Black Business Owners which is why we are delighted to be working with BBI in Partnership with Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation & SOAS University of London on MBA 30 to drive positive change.”
The launch event, which took place on June 8, featured talks from two prominent entrepreneurs who shared their personal business challenges and how the MBA 30 will empower students to overcome these obstacles. Additionally, Lord Dr Michael Hastings, chair of SOAS University of London and chair of BBI, was in attendance.
He said: “This ground breaking initiative represents a significant step toward levelling the playing field for black entrepreneurs in the UK. The MBA 30 aims to create a transformative learning experience that equips participants with the tools and networks necessary to succeed in the competitive business landscape. Together, SOAS University of London and BBI strive to empower black entrepreneurs and shape a more inclusive future.”
Founder and chief executive of Black British Initiative, Darren Miller added: “Entrepreneurs play a significant societal role and are a source of creativity, innovation and progressiveness in all commercial sectors. One of the greatest challenges facing Black entrepreneurs is a lack of access to essential business networks and funding capital, limiting aspiration, stunting growth, and preventing the deep reservoirs of Black entrepreneurial talent from being realised - wasteful and counterproductive for society at large.”
Deborah Latouche, creative director of SABIRAH, is one of those who have signed up for the MBA 30. Ms Latouche launched SABIRAH, a sustainable modest fashion brand, at the start of 2020 and hopes to further her venture using the knowledge she will garner on the mini MBA.
Speaking of the upcoming course, she said: "As an entrepreneur from a minority background, I'm conscious of the barriers that sometimes exist but I'm determined to break them down. I have built a successful fashion brand and I'm excited to see where I can take this with the new networks and skills that the MBA 30 at SOAS provides."
Stephanie Edwards, an urban designer and architect, added: "During 2018, we decided to start Urban Symbiotics, an insight and research-led design, architecture, and master planning practice.
“We are obsessed with designing and delivering better places that foster life. Our work focuses on the user experience to provide design solutions that span across the physical, digital, and social to innovate master planning, architecture, and the public realm.
"I consider the MBA 30 an opportunity to fine-tune our business priorities, ambition, and influence. The course structure is practical and clearly aimed at 21st-century business. We see it as a time to step back from our business with fresh eyes to help propel the business forward."
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