Research shows that ethnic minority startups face a number of challenges to succeed and build sustainable businesses including a lack of early-stage investment, VC funding and access to social capital and mentors. These businesses are also under-represented in both public and private sector supply chains.

From today until 30th August, ethnic minority founders from across the UK with an innovative product or service can apply to join the - free four -month programme. With the first cohort of 40 ventures starting in October 2021, the initiative will provide a platform for ethnic minority founders to gain access to the expertise of MSDUK and its corporate partners via one-to-one mentoring sessions, attend group workshops, and have access to bespoke support packages and more.

The programme has been created with experiential learning at its core and by experts in corporate procurement and entrepreneurs with lived-and-learned experience. The EMBs will have the opportunity to stress-test their business models to align with corporate needs and successful partnerships could  result from MSDUK’s  wider corporate network.

EMBs applying must be able to prove that their business proposition supports one of the accelerator’s value pillars which align with several UN’s Sustainable Development Goals:

• Propelling better societies
• Amplifying sustainable solutions
• Building cities of the future
• Empowering with creative and digital

Backed by Unilever, WPP, Dow and Google, this accelerator demonstrates the commitment of these companies to supplier diversity and investing in the development of ethnic minority businesses that may become their supplier partners in the future.

Alexandra Tarmo, Head of Partnerships and Social Procurement at Unilever said: “I am very proud to lead this initiative at Unilever, which is part of our new Supplier Development Programme, aiming to provide access to skills and networking opportunities to under-represented racial and ethnic groups. This is in alignment with our commitment to spend €2bn of our annual supplier spend with diverse suppliers by 2025. 

Decisive and collective actions are needed to build a society that helps to improve livelihoods, embrace diversity, nurture talent, and offer opportunities for everyone. Collaborating with partners, such as MSDUK, WPP, Dow and Google, is a fantastic opportunity and absolutely aligned with our Partner With Purpose Programme to help to make a difference.”

Tig Matthews, Chief Procurement Officer at WPP added: “We are so proud to be working with MSDUK, Unilever, Google and Dow on this new initiative which will arm ethnic minority-owned businesses with the networks, training, and skillset to help them grow and succeed. Strengthening the wider supplier network provides greater opportunities to bring diversity of ideas and perspectives into WPP as we continue to grow an inclusive and sustainable supply chain across the company.”

Mayank Shah, Founder and CEO at MSDUK concluded: “For us, it is more than just creating a world-class acceleration programme. It is about empowering ethnic minority founders across the UK and creating an entrepreneurship and corporate ecosystem of equity and opportunity. With nearly one million businesses in the UK that are minority led, there is a huge untapped entrepreneurial talent that can be nurtured and supported. MSDUK is proud to work in partnership with Unilever, WPP, Google and Dow to empower EMBs and build supply chains of the future that is diverse and inclusive.”

Applications are now open here and the deadline to submit applications is on 30th August 2021.