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Barclays, in partnership with Foundervine, is proud to introduce the Barclays Black Founder Accelerator programme. This groundbreaking initiative aims to provide comprehensive support and resources to Black business founders, empowering them to accelerate their ventures, access funding opportunities, and scale up their businesses.

Designed specifically for Black founder-led businesses, the Barclays Black Founder Accelerator programme offers a unique opportunity to transform the experiences of Black business founders. Through a 12-week immersive journey, participants gain access to a range of benefits and tailored support to accelerate their businesses.

The programme offers expert-led masterclasses covering a diverse range of topics crucial to entrepreneurial success. These masterclasses are designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to overcome challenges and thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

Mentoring and coaching from world-class scaleup experts form a pivotal aspect of the programme. This one-on-one guidance ensures that participants receive personalized support, enabling them to make informed decisions, navigate obstacles, and unlock their full potential.

The Barclays Black Founder Accelerator programme fosters a vibrant community of like-minded entrepreneurs through learning and networking events. These events provide a platform for participants to connect with industry peers, exchange ideas, and build valuable relationships. Leveraging the extensive networks of both Barclays and Foundervine, participants gain access to a wealth of opportunities and collaborations.

At the culmination of the programme, participants have the chance to showcase their businesses at a Demo Day. This highly anticipated event provides a platform to present their ventures to potential investors, partners, and industry stakeholders, opening doors to new growth and funding opportunities.

To be eligible for the programme, your business must be led by one or more Black founders, utilize digital technology in its operations or value proposition, and be at the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage or beyond. Commitment to attending all masterclasses over the 12-week period is expected from successful applicants.

The next cohort of the Barclays Black Founder Accelerator programme is set to commence in July 2023, and applications are now open. This is a remarkable opportunity for Black business founders to access invaluable support, gain vital knowledge, and accelerate their entrepreneurial journeys.