Black British Initiative (BBI) Fosters Business Growth for Black Jewellers and Silversmiths
We are delighted to announce a new and impactful partnership between the Black British Initiative (BBI) and the Goldsmiths' Centre, designed to support the commercial growth and professional development of Black jewellers and silversmiths across the UK.
As part of our shared mission to break down structural barriers and build an inclusive and representative industry, we are providing top-up funding to BBI to offer ten fully funded places on their MBA30 programme - an innovative, four-week executive education course. Originally launched with SOAS University of London during 2023 and accredited by SOAS during 2024, this ‘mini-MBA’ is specifically designed for underserved Black entrepreneurs, helping them gain the tools, networks and confidence to scale their businesses sustainably.
The programme, now open for applications, combines the academic rigour of SOAS with the practical insights of over sixteen world-class business leaders. Delivered in a hybrid format, participants will benefit from three immersive in-person days on campus and six interactive online half-day classes. Topics include leadership, financial management, marketing, branding, strategic growth, legal compliance, AI application, and sustainable operations - giving each participant the knowledge and skills to thrive in today’s competitive marketplace.
By opening access to MBA30, we are helping to bridge the gap between creativity and commerce. This initiative enables talented Black jewellers and silversmiths to strengthen their business capabilities and unlock long-term opportunities in the jewellery and silversmithing sectors.
“Equity and access are central to the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s mission. This collaboration with the Black British Initiative enables us to invest in the next generation of Black makers, providing not just funding, but meaningful pathways to leadership and entrepreneurship.”
– Chris Oliver, Head of Professional Training at the Goldsmiths’ Centre
This collaboration is part of our broader strategic commitment to champion underrepresented voices and foster professional and economic empowerment in the craft and design industries. We recognise the unique challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs - often rooted in unequal access to education, networks and funding - and we’re proud to play a role in changing this narrative through direct and practical support.
“We are ecstatic, this support from Goldsmiths’ demonstrates their tangible commitment to creating a fair, inclusive, equitable and cohesive society. Statistically, the delta between the average turnover of a Black owned business and the national average is 3,124% and is directly related to the UK’s high levels of wealth disparity. Executive education is part of the solution and the practical support from the Goldsmiths’ Centre makes it possible to extend the reach of MBA 30’s impact.”
– Darren Miller, CEO and Co-founder of BBI
Beyond the classroom, MBA30 connects participants with a powerful ecosystem of investors, corporate sponsors, and business leaders, helping them turn ambition into action and fostering a more diverse and resilient creative sector.
Application deadlines
Applications for the next two cohorts of the Mini-MBA, which runs from 15th September until 9th October 2025 and 3rd November until 28th November 2025, are now open and close on 1st September 2025 and 17th October 2025 respectively.
Eligible Black jewellers and silversmiths are encouraged to enrol by contacting mba@blackbritishinitiative.com or finding more information about the course at