RDA's launch Ethnic Minority Business Advocacy Network
13th April 2010
England's Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) have announced the launch of a new Ethnic Minority Business Advocacy Network (EMBAN).
Ethnic minority businesses currently make up 6% of the total SME population and account for 7% of employment by small and medium sized businesses in the UK, amounting to over one million jobs nationally.
EMBAN has three main objectives.
Firstly, it will promote and raise the profile of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) entrepreneurs, by identifying strong role models and establishing a national voice for BME businesses.
Secondly, it will share best practice both in the UK and overseas and will bring together partners and highlight opportunities for joint working.
Thirdly, it will work to influence future government policy making by building up the evidence base on the economic contribution of BME businesses.
EMBAN was one of the recommendations from the National Ethnic Minority Business Taskforce which was announced by Lord Mandelson in November 2009.
More information about the Task Force report can be read at www.berr.gov.uk/files/file53440.pdf
Sourced from EMDA, to view the news article in full please click here