The Diverse Business Network (DBN) is dedicated to empowering business owners from diverse and minoritised backgrounds by fostering an inclusive, safe, and supportive community. Our mission is to create a space where entrepreneurs and professionals can access specialist support services, meaningful representation, and opportunities for collaboration and growth. By building a comprehensive and sustainable ecosystem, we aim to improve the resilience and growth of diverse businesses.

The principle focus of the DBN is to bridge the gap in business services for people from historically minoritized groups. The DBN enables and equips members to reach their potential, overcoming barriers and connecting with appropriate support services. We have created a community of diverse business owners professionals and entrepreneurs providing information, learning, collaboration, mentoring and various opportunities to thrive against existing inequalities present in society. By working together and sharing our expertise we enable all members to develop good practice and excellence.

The DBN has been involved in a variety of diversity-focused research projects over the years, gaining an understanding of key themes and challenges. We have collated and consolidated a number of these reports to present an overview and share core learning with our partners members and community. We have chosen research reports from the last few years, from known and trusted organisations, where we know the research has been led or co-designed by those with lived experience. We have developed the Diverse Business Network in response to the challenges faced by diverse businesses based on relevant research and reports.

The reports reviewed highlight the significant challenges and opportunities for diverse businesses in the UK, emphasising the need for targeted support, access to finance, and inclusive policies. These reports collectively underscore the systemic barriers that diverse entrepreneurs face, such as discrimination, limited access to financial resources, and inadequate representation in business networks. They also highlight the economic potential of these businesses and the positive impact they can have on the broader economy when given the right support. By addressing these challenges, we can unlock the full potential of diverse businesses, fostering innovation, economic growth, and social equity.