Fully funded ‘Start Your Business’ and ‘Unlocking Success’ workshops with specialist support for British African entrepreneurs and start-ups in Greater Manchester.
Delivered by GM Business Growth Hub Enterprise Specialists Caroline Jones and Paul Norris. With support from successful entrepreneurs Cody Gapare (MBA) Academic and Founder of C-Lash and Raphael Ogunrinde FRSA, Founder and CEO of Calyx Drinks.
Open to Greater Manchester residents who are interested in starting their own business.

GM Business Growth Hub’s EnterprisingYou and the African Business Chamber (AfBC) are joining forces to help aspiring entrepreneurs start their dream businesses at their "Start Your Business" and “Unlocking Success” workshops on Thursday, January 23, 2025.

Starting a business can be both exciting and daunting for any first-time entrepreneurs, but previous research* by the Growth Company found that Black entrepreneurs in the city-region found it particularly difficult to access support and funding. One of the reports suggestions was customised support that met the needs of the Black business community.

These unique events are hosted by successful entrepreneurs Cody Gapare (MBA) Founder of innovative beauty company C-Lash and Raphael Ogunrinde FRSA, Founder and CEO of beverage company Calyx Drinks.

They’ll be supported by Enterprise Specialists Caroline Jones and Paul Norris from GM Business Growth Hub. The sessions will equip participants with the essentials needed to start and grow their new ventures with confidence.

These workshops are designed to provide the right guidance and support, helping attendees take confident steps toward turning their dreams into reality. Partnering with the African Business Chamber for the first time, GM Business Growth Hub hope this will open the door to even more exciting new businesses across the city-region.

The African Business Chamber is a global organisation that represents and supports African and British African firms, investors, and entrepreneurs as they expand and succeed in the global economy.

“The African Business Chamber (AfBC) is pleased to partner with GM Business Growth Hub to deliver two workshops on 23rd January 2025. We believe the two sessions namely; 'Start Your Business Workshop' and 'Unlocking Success: An afternoon to transform your business' is timely and in line with supporting diverse and inclusive strategy for growth in Greater Manchester” Patrick Obidoyin Chair, North West England at the African Business Chamber.

EnterprisingYou have helped thousands of Greater Manchester residents start their own business and Yvonne Sampson, Head of Enterprise who oversees the programme is excited about what the new partnership with AfBC will bring.

“The more you know and experience, the more knowledge you have to draw from when making decisions as a business owner. And that’s invaluable, especially as an entrepreneur.

“This session isn’t just about support British African entrepreneurs in Greater Manchester, it’s about creating a network where we all want each other to succeed. I’d encourage anyone that has a curiosity about starting their own business to come down on the day and see what connections they can make.”