Chester Woman Launches Network for Black Entrepreneurs

Jemima Antwi founds a support network for black entrepreneurs, addressing issues of isolation and lack of funding in the business community.

Jemima Antwi, a 27-year-old entrepreneur from Ghana, has established a network dedicated to supporting black business founders after personally experiencing feelings of loneliness and isolation during her entrepreneurial journey. Antwi, who began her business journey while studying at the University of Chester, initially sold reusable water bottles under the name Mimes Reusables. However, her venture ended after two years, prompting her to connect with others facing similar challenges.

In September, she founded the Black Founders Studio (BFS), a not-for-profit initiative aimed at aiding early-stage black entrepreneurs, particularly women. Less than a year into operation, BFS has already assisted in the launch of 30 new businesses that are set to debut at Chester Racecourse.

“For black women in particular, entrepreneurship is so lonely,” Antwi shared. “You don’t really know anyone that you can look up to. Starting my business was the most difficult thing I had ever done, so I started Black Founders Studio to create the support I wished had existed.” At the outset, Antwi faced numerous barriers that contributed to the downfall of her first business, including a lack of funding and networking opportunities. “Chester is not exactly the most black place, and I did not have any network,” she explained.

After her business failed, Antwi reflected on her experiences and discovered that her obstacles were mirrored by many other black entrepreneurs. Therefore, she created BFS to facilitate a support system for those who encounter similar difficulties. “When I started the business, I didn’t really know anybody. It felt so lonely because I was having to quite literally do everything alone,” she noted.

To address these gaps, Antwi quit her finance job and began working at a local shop to devote herself fully to her new venture. She reported having spoken to many aspiring black entrepreneurs who hesitated to start their businesses due to uncertainty and lack of confidence. “Some people didn’t know how to set up businesses here in the UK or what structure the business needed to follow,” she added.

In under a year, BFS has taken on 50 founders through an incubator programme, offering practical training and empowerment in a community-oriented manner. Most impressively, 30 of these founders are now ready to launch their businesses, which include innovative concepts such as an Afro-luxury makeup brand, a wellness initiative aimed at young women, and a skincare range catering to melanin-rich skin.

Antwi expressed her joy in witnessing these budding enterprises progress. She stated, “It makes me so happy because every single one of the businesses isn’t just about a product; they’re actually changing the world in a way.” As the launch event approaches, she reflected on the emotional weight of seeing tangible results from the community she has fostered. “Seeing the products arrive is just incredible—I actually cry because I’m like, ‘oh my goodness, this is actually real.'”

Looking ahead, Antwi aims to expand her efforts to help secure funding for aspiring founders and generate deeper systemic change in the UK. She concluded, “Not just representation, but I want to see deep change in the UK, to give black people, women, men, children hope.”