Mentor Black Business Teams with Google to Ensure UK Black Businesses Feel Less Alone

Black businesses from the Mentor Black Business community can now take advantage of 500 hours of free mentoring, provided by Google.

Mentor Black Business is committed to delivering world-class mentorship to Black businesses and entrepreneurs – whatever their industry. “We exist for Black business to thrive," states Akil Benjamin, founder.

In just 12 months, Mentor Black Business has built a community of 2,000 change-makers with a reach that extends far beyond this, through partnerships with global brands including: Google, Virgin StartUp, Budweiser Brewing Group and Somerset House.

Last year, Google committed to helping one million small British businesses remain open by helping them be found online. This partnership is a continuation of the commitment Google have made to champion Black-owned businesses, as part of their #SpendBlack campaign. UK-based small businesses and charities will be paired with mentors specialising in areas including:

- Digital Marketing

- Social Media Strategy

- How to increase visibility on Google

- How to sell products online

- Building or optimising your website

- Google Analytics

This new partnership will allow Black businesses a clearer, more accessible path to success. If you or someone you know is looking for startup advice, sign up for Google Mentoring free here.

Charmaine Beneyto, Biddie founder, comments: “You can only go so long talking to your friends and family about your business ideas. Just by having someone like [my mentor], I felt less alone, as though someone was there,making me feel accountable… you’ll be surprised at the opportunities that present themselves when you take steps out of your comfort zone.”

Ronan Harris, Google UK & Ireland MD, said: “Local businesses are the lifeblood of our communities. Like millions up and down the country, we want to help small businesses both survive and thrive. That's why we've committed to providing 10,000 hours of free mentoring for small business owners, charities and individuals to help people upskill and adapt to operating in the ever changing current climate. Despite the ongoing uncertainty, we want to show that having an online presence can have a transformative impact on offline businesses."