Teesside University showcases support for minority ethnic businesses
A unique event has been held to support minority ethnic businesses in the region and demonstrate ways Teesside University can help them to flourish.
The Minority Ethnic Business Event was organised by Teesside University and welcomed more than 30 businesses and individuals earlier this month.
It provided information and advice on the wide range of support solutions offered through the University for new businesses, as well as highlighting growth opportunities for existing businesses.
Those who attended were from a range of different sectors within the region, including retail, food, printing and technology and the event welcomed both established businesses, as well as those with start-up ideas.
The Minority Ethnic Business Event started with an introduction from the University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor (Enterprise and Business Engagement) Professor Craig Gaskell, and featured presentations from representatives from DigitalCity, Launchpad and Student Futures.
It also heard from a range of business people who provided insight into the success they have achieved with support from the University. Speakers included Chijioke Onyebueke, founder and director of DNest, Baba Lewis, founder and director of Olumo Continental Foods, and Aman Chahal, founder of Tapered Plus.
Teesside University offers a wide range of consultancy, training and development for established business, SME’s and new companies, and also provides incubator space and dedicated support for new and emerging businesses.
The event was also a demonstration of the University’s commitment to equality and diversity, promoting inclusion within our communities, removing barriers to achievement and helping individuals to achieve their full potential
We are an inclusive university, passionate about engaging with our community, and we look forward to working with our minority ethnic businesses further.
Juliet Amos, Executive Director of Human Resources, attended the event.
She said: “It is fantastic to be able to facilitate events such as this. Teesside University is an anchor institution and is proud to support our many minority ethnic businesses and offer information and advice to help them thrive.
“We are an inclusive institution and work closely with our local communities to help provide opportunities for all.”
Professor Gaskell, who opened the event, added: “Our business engagement work and support is far reaching, and we are here to help all kinds of businesses achieve success through the knowledge, insights and networks that Teesside University has to offer.
“This was an extremely successful event, and it was a pleasure to be able to invite representatives from minority ethnic businesses to our University and talk to them about the different support and guidance we can provide. We are an inclusive university, passionate about engaging with our community, and we look forward to working with our minority ethnic businesses further.”
This event followed the 2022 BME Achievement Awards which were sponsored by Teesside University and led to this collaboration.