On Tuesday 20 October 2026, a new summit called Black Capital opens at Elder Yard in Norton Folgate, London. According to Black Enterprise, it is built to connect Black-led businesses directly with investors, financial institutions and government representatives. If you run a Black-owned business in Birmingham and you have ever wondered why finance feels harder to reach for founders who look like us, this event is aimed squarely at that problem.
Birmingham is about two hours from London by train, so this is within reach. This guide explains what we know about Black Capital, why the funding gap it targets is real, and how to prepare whether or not you make the trip.
What Is Black Capital?
Black Capital is an inaugural summit and platform founded by John Muleba, who previously worked as a creative strategist at Burberry, Alexander McQueen and Louis Vuitton. Black Enterprise reports that it brings together founders, creative talent, investors, financial institutions and government representatives to address the funding gap facing Black-led growth enterprises and creative businesses.
- Date: Tuesday 20 October 2026
- Venue: Elder Yard, Norton Folgate, London
- Timing: Scheduled alongside Frieze London and the FT Africa Summit
- Programme: Keynote interviews and panels covering media, fashion and art, with a focus on funding for Black women
A note on checking details. At the time of writing, we found the summit reported by one outlet and could not locate an official ticketing page. Before you book travel, confirm the programme, ticket availability and cost directly with the organisers.
Why the Funding Gap Is the Real Story
Black Capital exists because the numbers have been stubbornly poor for years. The figures below come from the sources we could verify.
Investment into Black founders
- Black Enterprise reports that Black founders have historically secured less than 1% of UK venture capital.
- KPMG, which runs the Black Entrepreneurs’ Awards, states that investment into Black founders was less than 1% in 2023.
- Research quoted by Channel 4 and Lloyds Banking Group for the Black in Business initiative found that 56% of Black-owned businesses receive funding only after proving success, compared with 35% of white business owners.
The upside that is being left on the table
The Black Enterprise article cites the British Business Bank, CREME and NatWest, saying ethnic-minority-led businesses contribute an estimated £25 billion to the UK economy each year, with untapped potential of £100 billion. It adds that 71% of these enterprises intend to scale significantly and 52% are willing to use external finance. In other words, the ambition and the appetite are there. The barrier is access.
Creative businesses feel it too
The same report notes that the UK creative industries contribute £124 billion in gross value added and support 2.4 million jobs. Among surveyed creator-economy organisations, 74% report strong sales growth, yet 48% cite access to finance as a primary barrier. Investment-ready creative firms need an average of £1.3 million in funding. If you run a fashion label, a music business, a photography studio, a content brand or a design practice in Birmingham, you are in the group this summit is focused on.
What This Means for Black Founders in Birmingham
It is easy to read a London summit as someone else’s party. It is worth resisting that, for three reasons.
1. Investors are being asked to meet us, not the other way round
A major frustration for Black founders is cold-pitching rooms where no one has seen a business like theirs. An event designed around Black-led enterprises, with investors present by invitation of the programme, changes the dynamic. Even one useful conversation can open doors that years of cold emails have not.
2. The Midlands has a real pipeline of Black-led businesses
Birmingham’s Black business community is rich in beauty, food, fashion, media, tech and professional services. Too often, London-based investors never see this pipeline. Showing up, even as one of a few Midlands founders, helps put Birmingham on their map.
3. Funding for Black women is on the agenda
The programme includes a focus on funding for Black women. The Black Equity Organisation, which runs the F100 Growth Fund with Sky, cites research that only 0.02% of UK venture capital between 2009 and 2019 went to Black female entrepreneurs. If you are a Black woman founder, this is a conversation you deserve to be part of.
How to Prepare Even If You Cannot Be in London
Get investment-ready
- Know your numbers. Turnover, margins, customer acquisition cost and what you would use the money for. “Growth” is not an answer; “£40,000 to buy equipment that doubles our output” is.
- Tidy your records. Up-to-date management accounts and a clear separation of business and personal finances signal credibility to any lender or investor.
- Write a one-page summary. Who you serve, what you sell, traction so far, what you are asking for, and what it unlocks.
- Prepare a 30-second pitch. Practise it out loud until it sounds like you, not a script.
Understand your funding options
Equity investment is only one route, and not right for every business. Many Birmingham founders will find lender-based finance more suitable. The government-backed Growth Guarantee Scheme, delivered through accredited lenders, provides a 70% guarantee to the lender on eligible facilities, with generally up to £2 million available per business group. The British Business Bank’s page says applications are open and that changes announced in July 2026, including a higher turnover limit of £54 million, are being rolled out with lenders over the coming weeks. Lenders make the final decision, so shop around and ask each one directly about the scheme.
Follow the Black-led funding routes
- Black Equity Organisation’s F100 Growth Fund, run with Sky, has offered up to £15,000 in equity-free funding; its 2026 applications have closed, so prepare for the next round.
- KPMG’s Black Entrepreneurs’ Awards offer four £25,000 prizes; the 2026 window has closed.
- Channel 4 and Lloyds’ Black in Business awards advertising airtime worth £200,000 to winners.
These windows come around annually. Getting your paperwork ready now means you can apply the week they open.
If You Do Go: A Simple Plan
- Set a target. Aim for three quality conversations rather than thirty business cards.
- Research who is speaking and attending. Look up the panel and any named investors beforehand so your questions are specific.
- Lead with the problem you solve. Then your traction, then the ask.
- Follow up within 48 hours. A short email recalling your conversation and attaching your one-pager is worth more than the conversation itself.
- Share what you learn. Bring it back to the Birmingham community so others benefit.
A Realistic View
A summit will not close a gap that has persisted for years. Attending does not guarantee investment, and an investor’s interest in a panel does not always become a cheque. But access, visibility and relationships are how capital moves, and for too long Black founders have been outside the rooms where it does. Events like Black Capital are one way of changing who gets invited in. Your job is to be ready when the door opens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Black Capital only for creative businesses?
Reports describe a focus on Black-led growth enterprises and creative businesses, with sessions across media, fashion and art. Check the programme to see which sessions suit your sector.
How much does it cost to attend?
We could not confirm ticket prices. Contact the organisers directly.
Do I need to be seeking equity investment?
No. Networking with financial institutions and government representatives may also help you understand loans, guarantees and public support.
Join the Conversation
Are you going to Black Capital, or preparing to raise finance this year? Tell the community, share what you learn and find someone to travel with. Join the Black Owned Birmingham Facebook group and let’s build together.
