Black History Season: Camden backs its Black entrepreneurs with a free online workshop
Camden Council is partnering with Black Pound Day this Autumn as it launches some practical initiatives to respond to the huge inequality its research has shown Black workers and businesses face.
In its recently published Building Equal Foundations Report, the Council found that across the UK:
- millennials from Black, Asian and other ethnic backgrounds were 58% more likely to be unemployed than their White counterparts
- the UK unemployment rate between October and December 2019 was 5.8% for people from Black, Asian and Other ethnic groups, compared to 3.4% for people from a White background
- people from Black, Asian and other ethnic backgrounds have been more likely to be in sectors ‘shut down’ as a result of Covid-19.
As part of its response to tackling inequality this Black History Season and going forward, the council is entering into a long-term partnership with Black Pound Day to support the growth of the UK Black economy. Camden Black-owned businesses can now sign up to the biggest directory of Black-owned businesses in the UK to boost their visibility to consumers.
The Council has also organised a free online workshop for ‘Black Young Entrepreneurs’ from 6 to 8pm on Thursday, 5 November 2020.
This event, which is aimed at equipping young aspiring entrepreneurs with the practical skills and tools to start or grow their business ideas, will be hosted by Black Pound Day founder Swiss from So Solid Crew.
The event is also supported by Pop-Up Business School, who the council commissioned over the summer to provide free business training for its residents and Covid-19 resilience sessions for its businesses.
“We know all our businesses and Camden entrepreneurs are facing really challenging and worrying times at the moment due to the pandemic – we are committed to doing everything we can to improve the job and business prospects of everyone in Camden.
“All the evidence shows that before and during the pandemic, Black people and Black businesses were hardest hit. While we drive through policies that will enable large structural reform, we will back initiatives like Black Pound Day, which rightfully celebrates the fantastic Black-owned businesses we have in Camden, and seeks to support them to survive and thrive.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought into sharp focus the existing structural inequalities that disproportionately affect people from Black, Asian and other ethnic backgrounds. Perhaps most worryingly, the pandemic has exacerbated these.
“Initiatives like these show we are committed to taking immediate action and intervention, and I’m hoping they will help inspire young Black people and Black businesses in Camden.
“Meanwhile, to drive our long-term strategy, we have set up a Camden Renewal Commission to develop practical solutions to help achieve a fair, sustainable economy and address the inequalities we have in Camden.”