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This is a free, dynamic support programme designed for Business to Business (B2B) and Business to Government (B2G) businesses that are owned, managed and controlled by people from ethnic minority backgrounds and based in London.

The programme supports SMEs that are looking to build the skills, knowledge and networks needed to navigate procurement processes and position themselves as credible, contract-ready suppliers. The programme provides practical, actionable support to help your business grow.

This hybrid programme blends in-person workshops with online sessions and peer-to-peer mentoring to introduce participants to the fundamentals of public and private sector procurement, and running a responsible business, including sustainability and Net Zero.

It also supports the development of essential transferrable skills such as networking and bid writing.

This is a free procurement readiness programme for ethnic minority SMEs , based in London, and registered with Minority Business Matters. It supports businesses with an ambition to grow their capabilities and better understand corporate supply chains.

This hybrid programme runs for 4 weeks and combines the best of both worlds: two face-to-face training days and two virtual learning sessions, ensuring accessibility and flexibility for participants.

Gain a solid understanding and apply key elements of a capability statement for engaging corporate buyers. By the end of this programme you will be confidently able to pitch your business to the corporate and public sector buyers, and stakeholders, while having developed a peer mentoring network with other ethnic minority businesses.

Spaces are limited and subject to your business meeting the requirements.

This is a free business support programme designed for Business to Business (B2B) and Business to Government (B2G) businesses based in Southwark and looking to build the skills, knowledge and networks needed to navigate procurement processes and position themselves as credible, contract-ready suppliers. The programme will provide practical, actionable support to help your business grow.

This hybrid programme blends in-person workshops with online mentoring to introduce participants to the fundamentals of public and private sector procurement, and running a responsible business. It will also support the development of essential transferrable skills such as pitching and bid writing. Participants will work on a tailored business growth plan, supported by peer-to-peer mentoring and expert-led surgery sessions with large corporate and public sector partners.

Delivered in partnership between Heart of the City, MSDUK and Islington Council, the Islington Supplier Readiness Programme is a fully-funded, targeted support programme for small and diverse-owned businesses based in Islington that want to grow through public and private sector supply chains.

This programme is designed to help businesses understand how procurement really works, build confidence in bidding for contracts, and strengthen their credibility as responsible, contract-ready suppliers. Through practical learning and tailored support, participants will develop the skills and insight needed to engage with new markets and take the next step in their growth journey.

The hybrid programme brings together face-to-face workshops, online peer learning and one-to-one clinics. Participants will explore public sector procurement in Islington, social value and responsible business practices, and core commercial skills including pitching and bid writing. Each business will be supported to develop a clear, tailored growth plan, with guidance from expert practitioners and opportunities to learn alongside peers and large public and private sector partners.

The 9th Annual Innovation Challenge: Applications for 2026 Are Now OPEN! Over the past decade, this unique competition has actively broken-down barriers and pushed boundaries for small and diverse-owned businesses. We are committed to fuelling their growth and development by shining a spotlight on them. Are you a diverse-owned business located in the UK with an innovative product or service for a better world? We want to hear from you.