Inclusion and Diversity

Beyond a Month: Standing Firm in Power and Pride as a Black Social Entrepreneur

A Celebration and a Reminder

Every October, the UK marks Black History Month. This is a time to celebrate the resilience, creativity, and achievements of Black people across the world. No doubt, this year’s theme, “Standing Firm in Power and Pride,” feels both timely and necessary.

For me, Black History Month is both a celebration and a reminder. It’s a celebration of stories that inspire me. This year has been particularly intriguing with the somewhat heightened focus on telling powerful stories of black leaders who broke barriers, as well as everyday entrepreneurs who build businesses that serve their communities. But it is also a reminder of the work still to be done to ensure Black excellence isn’t confined to just one month on the calendar.

So, beyond the hashtags and events, I find myself asking: does Black History Month genuinely shift how Black talent and contributions are recognised year-round, or does it risk becoming a box we tick once a year before slipping back into business as usual?

Power, Pride, and the Business Landscape

As a social entrepreneur making a run in the tech sphere – and with a drive to pioneer and consolidate tech empowerment for communities within and beyond the UK – running my venture has given me a front-row seat to both the opportunities and obstacles that come with being Black in business.

Power is not just about building businesses; it is about doing so despite systemic barriers. Pride is about knowing where we come from, valuing our heritage, and walking confidently into spaces where our voices haven’t always been welcome.

In the UK, out of around six million businesses, only about 9,260 are Black-led, most of which are micro or small enterprises. Yet, despite their size, they make a significant contribution to the economy and to the fabric of local communities. Without a doubt, they are living proof that ethnic minority entrepreneurs bring innovation, creativity, and resilience into the marketplace. This is why the theme resonates so deeply with me. Power is lived through persistence, and pride is lived through presence. Both come with costs, but both also create pathways for the next generation.

Resilience in the Face of Inequity

Access to resources remains uneven. A joint study by Channel 4 and Clear Channel revealed that over half of Black-owned businesses (56%) only receive funding once they have already shown growth, compared to just 35% of their white counterparts. In other words, Black founders are often asked to “prove themselves” further before they can access investment. This shouldn’t be the case.

According to The Black Report, 88% of Black founders self-fund their businesses, committing an average of nearly £14,000 of personal savings to keep their ventures alive. On one hand, this demonstrates resilience, which is admirable. But it also exposes the inequities that persist. Indeed, many of the founders could scale faster and generate millions more for the economy if given equitable access to finance.

This month is a call to recommit to the long-term work of building systems where Black founders can thrive without exception. Black History Month 2025 challenges us to stand tall, not only in our heritage but also in our vision for the future.

Florence Aluu

Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead

In my own work at Floverse, I see daily how standing firm in power and pride shapes what we do. Whether it is creating opportunities in underserved communities, telling authentic stories through our platforms, or building inclusive solutions, I am reminded that my identity is not separate from my entrepreneurship. It rather strengthens it.

I must also add that representation matters. When Black entrepreneurs are visible in the business landscape, they are not just building companies, but are also breaking barriers, diversifying markets, and enriching the wider economy.

This month is a chance not just to celebrate achievements. More than that, it is a call to recommit to the long-term work of building systems where Black founders can thrive without exception. Black History Month 2025 challenges us to stand tall, not only in our heritage but also in our vision for the future. For me, the real success of Black History Month would be when we no longer need a designated time to showcase Black excellence because it is woven into the fabric of everyday life in the UK.

Until then, I’ll continue to stand firm, in power and in pride, for the next generation of Black entrepreneurs who deserve to build without barriers.

Florence Aluu is a social impact leader working at the intersection of immersive technology, mental health awareness, and community development, with a deep commitment to making people feel seen, supported, and empowered. She is the founder of Flosverse, a social enterprise using technology to give individuals and communities a greater voice, promote inclusion, and start making a positive impact. Florence is a LaunchMe alum, having participated in the Autumn 2024 cohort. You can find out more about Flosverse on their website or follow them on Facebook or LinkedIn.