The Black on Track Community Enterprise Development program, training for entry-level community-based entrepreneurs has left an indelible mark on the lives of over twenty (20) people from Black and minority ethnic groups and their communities. The program was running as a 10-week collaborative learning lab in community entrepreneurship followed by opportunities for live pitching sessions then participants are pointed to various pathways to continue their growth in community entrepreneurship.
One of the aims of Black on Track was also to tackle loneliness in older people and help them find means to utilize their skills to educate younger generations, allowing them to increase their sense of purpose in their community.
The Black on Track Programme is funded by Black Thrive and Impact on Urban Health.
Small group session during Community Enterprise Development Training
Anthony ‘Country’ Williams, a world-renowned dominoes player was a participant in one of two Black on Track cohorts, who has turned his attention to the culinary arena with the recent launch of his restaurant, Country's Vegan Hut. The Caribbean Vegan restaurant is located near Clapham North serving delicious Caribbean food. The restaurant has been fully renovated and he is currently working on developing an outdoor space to facilitate social gatherings and attract more patrons to his restaurant.
Country praises to Black on Track for helping him get on track. He noted that:
Black on Track prepared me by helping me to see the importance of being organised and to understand every aspect of my business to include marketing, financing and legal structures. The Black on Track Program helped me to take a stand to make those difficult decisions that must be taken in business and refuse the urge to put things off for tomorrow.
Country was particularly excited to have been in a collective learning environment during the programme. He expressed that:
It was exciting meeting other people and listening to their life and business journeys. It was good to learn how they overcame struggles & setbacks. Some stories were uplifting and made me realise the importance of having a ‘why’. We all should have a reason why we get up and get going when we get knocked down.
He strongly believes in grasping opportunities in life and describes it as euphoria when people achieve their dreams.
Another participant who is really achieving her dreams having started from scratch. Monica Williams started the process unsure of what she was going to do as a project. Like country, she was inspired by her peers to set up an initiative. Her initial mantra is "Get up, get out & have some fun". To this end, she has collaborated with Country's Vegan Hut at 95 Landor Road SW9 to host an afternoon soiree in July. The activities included delicious healthy lunch, music, dancing, socializing and networking.
Monica having happy moments with patrons at her pilot event dubbed ‘RockAway’
Impact Invest is a fellowship programme for diverse and purpose-driven entrepreneurs across London. The aim of Impact Invest is to offer an extended programme of learning, development and peer-support for entrepreneurs who have gone through accelerators or other business support programmes. Impact Invest includes sponsored access to the Impact Brixton workspace, monthly workshops on business support and personal development, access to our incredible network of creators and freelancers, and bi-weekly peer support sessions to share business challenges and opportunities. Kate Allen, Executive Programme Manager & Engagement Lead is excited to provide Black on Track graduates a pathway to continued growth:
We are thrilled to be partnering with Ubele Initiative and their Black on Track graduates, who perfectly complement the programme and we are already seeing the benefits from participants who find the hands-on support from their peers and Programme Manager to be so valuable to the development of their venture.
The participants agree as Monica outlined that:
Impact Brixton who aided & assisted me to develop short term & long term goal planning.
Simone Trotman at the Ubele’s Festival of Ideas event at the LLCC displaying her products
Black on Track continues to make an impact with Black on Track 2.0. The ideas being incubated are poised to provide bring meaningful activities to add diversity and dynamism to the activities in the Lloyd Leon Community Centre’s Dominoes Club.
by Tishauna Mullings, Black on Track Project Worker
