Did you catch us on ITV this week?

If not, you can catch up here, and take just three minutes of your day to learn more about the specific challenges faced by ethnic minority entrepreneurs in the UK and beyond.

We are so pleased that this conversation — one that we work every day to encourage — is being heard far and wide.

The problems we’re facing in society today when it comes to economic inequality and poverty are very real.

Due to financial exclusion and lack of access to business support, many people in our communities find it near impossible to turn their business ideas into realities. Enterprises that will strengthen our communities and grow our economy inclusively and sustainably, aren’t given the opportunity to start.

“Being a Muslim I think definitely had its barriers, in my own mind as well, I think there’s a stereotype as to what Muslim women should do and can do.” Rifhat Qureshi, Founder of Modest Trends London and ACF Mentor

Bu together, we are changing that. And with inspiring, pioneering people like Akmal Hanuk (Founder of ACF), Rifhat Qureshi (Founder of Modest Trends London and ACF Mentor), Gemma Casey (Ecosystem Manager at NatWest) and Idris Elfatih (Founder of Mr Hair and ACF Beneficiary) on board, we can continue to break barriers and enable entrepreneurship for everyone.

Listen to their stories and thoughts in our ITV feature.

“We are supporting people to start their own businesses and take them through that entrepreneurship journey. In the current climate, I think it is very important that people have an alternate plan if they don’t get in employment and the alternate includes entrepreneurship and self-employment as a viable option.” Akmal Hanuk, Founder of ACF

Learn more about our work at ACF here.