A trade mission to Chicago which is specifically for Black, Asian and mixed background tech founders in Greater Manchester and London.
The mission is in September, and businesses are to register their interest online by July 15.
Race, Ethnicity And Cultural Heritage (REACH) mission will welcome some of the most innovative B2B tech companies from Greater Manchester and London
This will be the first in-person equality, diversity and inclusion trade mission hosted in partnership between The Growth Company’s Global Scale-Up programme and London & Partners Mayor’s International Business programme
The mission aims to help unlock the value Black, Asian and mixed background businesses can add to the North American economy
Ethnic minority groups from black, Asian and mixed background tech entrepreneurs, are being invited to register their interest in a four-day transatlantic trade mission to Chicago.
The Race Ethnicity And Cultural Heritage (REACH) Mission will visit North America from 26 to 29 September.
Aimed at B2B tech sector founders in Greater Manchester and London businesses, the trip will help them to forge new connections, and explore expansion and investment opportunities in the U.S.
Up to 15 places are available on the mission, which has been organised by The Growth Company’s Global Scale-Up programme, together with the London & Partners Mayor’s International Business programme.
Last year’s delegates included Gori Yahaya, CEO and Founder of training provider UpSkill Digital, who has said:
“The REACH mission helped us open doors that we never would have thought possible in such a short space of time.
“Albeit we already had a handful of US clients, this mission enabled us to begin conversations with major players such as Wells Fargo and Comcast, and secure major contracts delivering Inclusion and Leadership programmes with US giants, Walmart.”
Chicago’s central location provides multiple opportunities for global trade. According to a global report by policy organisation Startup Genome, Chicago is the world’s 19th best start-up region and around a third of their start-ups have either a woman or a person of colour as a founder.
May Al-Karooni, CEO and Founder of Globechain, an online marketplace that connects enterprises to charities and people to redistribute unneeded items, also joined the virtual mission.
Sharing her enthusiasm for the mission, she added “The mission exceeded expectations, and broadened our horizons and access to a REACH community that really wants to make a difference around diversity and inclusion.
“Following the initial introduction facilitated by the trade mission, we are now in discussions with a major retail brand. We have had other great successes off the back of REACH, including building relationships with the DIT and becoming members of GBx”.
Deputy Mayor of London for Business, Rajesh Agrawal, also said:
“London’s ability to foster entrepreneurship is known the world over, as is the strength of our diversity and commitment to pushing representation in business.
“Following a successful first year, this mission once again highlights the great work between business ecosystems in London and Manchester and demonstrates how UK cities can collaborate to accelerate the growth of UK companies globally.”
The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, shares his thoughts, adding “Our city-region is the fastest-growing digital and tech hub in Europe, but for that growth to benefit everyone we need to be tackling digital inequalities and ensuring that everyone can develop the skills and forge the connections they need to succeed”.
Entrepreneurs on the programme will have the opportunity to meet corporations, establish new trade opportunities, and join investor roundtables and networking events.
The trip is part-funded and participants will have the cost of lodgings, meals and attendance at all events covered. Businesses need to register their interest online by Friday, 15 July.
The Growth Company’s Global Scale-up programme gives the city region’s SMEs access to a global market entry network alongside a combination of tailored coaching, international growth sprints and regular boot camps. For more information about the Global Scale-up Programme visit https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/globalscaleup.
