A powerful new social investment fund is taking shape in the UK, led by a visionary Black woman entrepreneur. Georgina Wilson, founder of BUD Leaders, is steering a £1.5 million pilot project aimed at increasing funding for diverse and minority-led community businesses.
This pioneering effort isn’t just about money — it’s about changing who gets a seat at the investment table. For too long, Black and minority social entrepreneurs in the UK have struggled to access fair and flexible capital. Wilson’s new fund is here to change that.
A £1.5 Million Pilot to Support Black and Global Majority-Led Enterprises
The six-year initiative, called Beyond Barriers, is designed to address deep-rooted inequalities in the UK’s social investment market. It responds to findings from the Adebowale Commission in 2022, which revealed that Black and global majority entrepreneurs were being left out of essential funding opportunities.
The fund will provide patient and flexible “catalytic capital.” This means businesses won’t be pressured by short repayment deadlines or strict terms. Instead, the fund will offer support that understands the real challenges faced by community businesses working for social good.
A Collective Effort Backed by Leading UK Trusts
Several major UK foundations have stepped up to back this important initiative. The Trust for London, City Bridge Foundation, and the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation have all contributed to the pilot’s funding. Together, they aim to prove that fair, inclusive investment models work — and can strengthen communities.
What makes this project stand out is that it also offers skills support alongside funding. Business owners will get access to training and resources to help them grow and sustain their enterprises over time. This approach ensures that financial investment goes hand-in-hand with long-term capacity building.
BUD Leaders and Georgina Wilson Step Into the Social Investor Role
At the heart of this initiative is Georgina Wilson’s organisation, BUD Leaders. Known for championing Black leadership and inclusive business practices, the organisation will take on a new role as a social investor. Supported by the Sumerian Foundation, BUD Leaders will be empowered to identify, fund, and support minority-led community enterprises.
This is a significant moment, as it’s believed to be the first time a Black woman-founded organisation has taken on such a role in the UK’s social investment space. The move is expected to inspire other organisations led by people from underrepresented backgrounds to step into financial leadership roles too.
Closing the Gaps Left by Traditional Social Investment Models
For years, UK social investment has struggled to meet the needs of minority entrepreneurs. Reports like the Adebowale Commission’s have highlighted slow progress and disappointing outcomes. This new pilot aims to close those gaps, offering an example of what inclusive, community-focused investing can look like.
By giving both funding and skills support, Wilson’s fund will help social enterprises not only survive but thrive. It represents a vital shift toward a more balanced and representative social investment market in the UK.
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