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Breaking Systemic Barriers & Influencing Policy for Economic Justice

We aim to remove legal, financial, and structural obstacles that prevent Black communities from accessing cooperative ownership. Through research, advocacy, and policy reforms, we strive to ensure that Black entrepreneurs and cooperatives have equal opportunities to own businesses, land, and assets in the UK.

History of the Black Cooperative Movement

Black cooperatives have long served as a vital tool for fostering economic resilience and promoting self-sufficiency within communities. These organizations are deeply rooted in African traditions that emphasized communal support and collective well-being. The origins of early cooperatives can be traced back to mutual aid societies that were established among free Black communities, providing essential resources and support to their members. Following the abolition of slavery, Black-led cooperatives emerged as a powerful means to provide access to land, education, and business opportunities, effectively combating the systemic economic exclusion that many faced.

In the mid-20th century, the landscape of Black cooperatives expanded significantly, particularly with the arrival of Caribbean immigrants in the UK. These communities came together to form various types of cooperatives, including credit unions, housing cooperatives, and worker-owned businesses, all aimed at addressing the financial barriers that hindered their progress. Despite facing ongoing challenges such as restrictive funding, policy hurdles, and societal biases, the Black cooperative movement is currently experiencing a remarkable resurgence. This revitalization is not only driving economic empowerment but also fostering a renewed sense of collective ownership and community solidarity. Today, these cooperatives are at the forefront of efforts to create sustainable economic opportunities, ensuring that future generations can thrive in an equitable environment.

• What we do

We focus on four key areas to create lasting change:

Enterprise &
Entrepreneurship

Supporting Black-owned businesses with funding, mentorship, and practical resources.

Skills &
Training

Offering workshops, courses, and apprenticeships to develop skills and career pathways.

Community
Investment

Reinvesting in local projects, housing, and creative initiatives that benefit our communities.

Advocacy &
Policy Change

Campaigning for policies that eliminate economic barriers and build more opportunities for Black communities.

• Why It Matters

Systemic barriers have long limited Black communities' access to economic opportunities. We're here to change that—by creating spaces where our values, talents, and businesses thrive. Our cooperative model ensures that the wealth we generate stays within our communities, fostering long-term security and success. We also believe in the power of collective prosperity, ensuring that economic growth benefits the many, not just the few.

Want to join the movement?

Are you a Black or minority entrepreneur in the UK? Have you faced challenges with funding, property access, or restrictive policies?

Black communities in the UK face significant barriers to wealth creation, from structural racism to policy barriers. Our cooperative model is designed to address these issues, creating economic equity and empowering Black entrepreneurs to build wealth.

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