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Ethnic Business Growth Programme 2024

Legal mentoring: amplifying the success of diverse enterprises

AG and HSBC are thrilled to announce the Ethnic Business Growth Programme, a new pro bono partnership initiative, with support from the Rowan Group, which seeks to link ethnically diverse trailblazers with legal and business mentors. Establishing a strong network and gaining access to mentorship can significantly assist UK-based businesses with diverse ethnic backgrounds in overcoming challenges. This programme aims to create a platform for cooperation and growth for those looking to amplify their business, products, or services.

We recognise that brilliance can be found everywhere and to be able to tap into true genius, you have to be connected to the right people and willing to explore new opportunities, encourage growth and sometimes challenge the status quo. Our commitment is to improve the way we engage with our clients and drive positive transformations for ethnically diverse enterprises by actively participating in discussions that generate solutions for up & coming leaders. That's where the Ethnic Business Growth Programme comes in - encouraging the imaginative and helping to develop impactful solutions for the sustainable business growth of diverse enterprises.

Our commitment

The programme seeks to foster the growth of underrepresented communities in business through mentorship support and aims to create a space for cooperation and growth for those that may lack access to corporate opportunities or guidance. Recognising the existing disparities in support, AG and HSBC's collective goal is to bridge the gap and assist in amplifying the success of ethnically diverse businesses.

In addition, through a collaboration with the Rowan Group, we aim to initiate meaningful discussions and provide tangible contributions to further the impact of the remarkable ethnically diverse enterprises that contribute to the vibrant business landscape of the UK.

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How to apply?

Checklist

Ethnic Business Growth Programme 2024

Apply now to be a part of our initiative dedicated to fostering the growth of underrepresented communities in business through mentorship support.

Apply now

What can you expect?

Allyship

Listening to the issues faced by ethnically diverse owned enterprises and actively working together to try to facilitate positive change.

Mentoring

Dedicated legal and business guidance to help you navigate through business issues that may arise.

Performance

Providing support and solutions to assist in amplifying the success of your business.

Applicant criteria:

This year we are focusing on ethnically diverse businesses based in Northwest England and London, but this will be expanded upon next year. In order to apply the business must:

  • have at least one founder that self-identifies as ethnically diverse; and
  • be established and registered in England and Wales.

What the programme involves: 

  • Dedicated AG legal mentor who will meet with each client 3 times (either virtually or in person) during the programme;
  • Dedicated HSBC client business mentor who will meet with each client 3 times (either virtually or in person) during the programme;
  • Set amount of hours for legal advice and a further discount on any advice provided on top of these hours;
  • Set amount of business mentoring hours from a HSBC client mentor;
  • Access to Rowan’s proprietary tool, PACE, delivering individual behavioural evaluation to each client;
  • 1:1 session with a Rowan PACE expert to understand how the individual’s behaviours impact their business;
  • Access to Rowan’s Value Creation Plan documentation to support with each Client’s business planning;
  • Access to seminars and advice from AG and HSBC where relevant;
  • Access to relevant AG legal updates and other publications; and
  • Access to a dedicated network which links members of the cohort and alumni with each other and acts as a depository for self-service legal information.

*All of the above will be provided on a pro bono basis.

Apply

Be a part of our initiative dedicated to fostering the growth of underrepresented communities in business through mentorship support.

FAQ

What industry do you have to work in to apply?

There is no specific industry, business, or enterprise type. This initiative is open to all that fit the criteria no matter the focus. 

What is the financial threshold?

There is no specific financial requirement; eligibility is dependent upon the applicant being an established and registered business in England and Wales.

How is the support delivered: online or offline?

The programme offers a combination of online and in person support.

What kind of mentorship will I receive?
  • Dedicated 1-1 business mentor who will meet with each client once a quarter;
  • Dedicated 1-1 AG mentor who will meet with each client 3 times (either virtually or in person) during the programme; and
  • 1-1 session with a Rowan PACE expert to understand how the individual’s behaviours impact their business.
What can I expect to achieve?
  • The Ethnic Business Growth Programme (EBGP) is a collaborative process and can be tailored to suit each client's business needs. Each client is encouraged to engage as much as possible to get the most out of the programme.
  • Between AG, HSBC and Rowan each client will receive support in the areas of legal, financial and business planning. 
Who from my business can attend?

The programme is open to the owner founder of the business and will support them in achieving the business growth they desire.

Key contacts

Harold Brako
Harold Brako
Partner, Co-head of Financial Services Sector
Manchester, UK
Natasha Chahal
Natasha Chahal
Associate, Commercial Litigation
London
Richard Fisk
Richard Fisk
Senior Pro Bono and Inclusion Manager
Richard Oman
Richard Oman
Partner, Finance
Manchester