UK Black Business Show and HSBC UK Honour the Top 25 Black Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2026
The UK Black Business Show, in partnership with HSBC UK, has officially unveiled its prestigious Top 25 Black Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2026, celebrating an exceptional group of founders and business leaders who are redefining industries, driving innovation, creating employment opportunities, and making a lasting impact on communities across the United Kingdom.
The announcement comes as the UK Black Business Show celebrates a significant milestone—its 10th anniversary—marking a decade of championing Black entrepreneurship, promoting diversity in business, and providing a platform for ambitious Black professionals and entrepreneurs to thrive.
Since launching in 2017, the UK Black Business Show has grown into one of Britain’s largest and most influential events dedicated to Black excellence in business. Every year, thousands of entrepreneurs, executives, investors, professionals, students, and business leaders gather during Black History Month to celebrate achievements, exchange ideas, build strategic partnerships, and unlock new business opportunities.
Over the past decade, the organisation has remained committed to its founding vision: ensuring Black-owned businesses receive the recognition, visibility, and support they deserve. Through exhibitions, networking events, masterclasses, panel discussions, and mentoring programmes, the Show has become an important catalyst for economic growth within the UK’s Black business community.
One of its flagship initiatives is the Top 25 Black Entrepreneurs to Watch, which is now in its sixth consecutive year. The annual campaign has evolved into one of the UK’s most respected recognitions of Black entrepreneurial excellence. Since its inception, it has celebrated more than 125 outstanding entrepreneurs whose businesses continue to transform industries, create jobs, inspire future founders, and contribute significantly to the British economy.
The 2026 edition showcases another remarkable collection of visionary entrepreneurs who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, resilience, creativity, and determination. Their businesses span multiple industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, education, media, hospitality, fashion, beauty, food, sports, professional services, manufacturing, and the creative economy.
While each entrepreneur operates in a different sector, they all share common values—innovation, ambition, perseverance, and purpose-driven leadership. Their journeys reflect the ability to build successful enterprises despite facing challenges that continue to affect many Black-owned businesses across the UK.
Although opportunities for entrepreneurs have expanded over the past decade, many Black founders still encounter significant barriers, including limited access to investment, funding, procurement opportunities, influential business networks, mentorship, and mainstream visibility. These challenges have become even more pronounced in today’s uncertain economic climate, making the achievements of this year’s honourees even more remarkable.
The entrepreneurs recognised in this year’s list have proven that strategic thinking, innovation, resilience, and determination can overcome many of these obstacles. Their businesses are not only generating economic value but are also creating meaningful social impact by supporting local communities, mentoring emerging entrepreneurs, promoting diversity, and opening doors for the next generation of business leaders.
Speaking about this year’s announcement, Dr. Raphael Sofoluke, Founder and CEO of the UK Black Business Show and UK Black Business Week, described the annual recognition as one of the organisation’s proudest achievements.
“Every year this list becomes even more meaningful. Over the past six years, we’ve recognised more than 125 exceptional Black entrepreneurs, and each new cohort continues to raise the standard. This year’s entrepreneurs have demonstrated incredible resilience, vision, and determination. Their stories deserve to be celebrated, and we’re proud to continue providing a platform that recognises their remarkable contributions.”
Tom Wood, Head of SME Business Banking at HSBC UK, also highlighted the importance of supporting Black-owned businesses and ensuring entrepreneurs have access to the opportunities needed to scale their ventures.
“Every year we witness outstanding Black-owned businesses delivering innovation, sustainable growth, and meaningful impact across the UK. As the UK Black Business Show celebrates its tenth anniversary, HSBC UK is proud to once again present the Top 25 Black Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2026. We hope their journeys inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs to pursue their ambitions with confidence.”
The announcement also builds excitement ahead of the 10th UK Black Business Show, which promises to bring together thousands of entrepreneurs, professionals, investors, executives, students, and allies for another landmark celebration of Black excellence.
Running alongside the flagship event is UK Black Business Week, a dynamic programme featuring business conferences, leadership discussions, networking events, workshops, mentoring sessions, and educational initiatives designed to provide Black entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and connections needed to grow successful businesses.
Together, the UK Black Business Show and UK Black Business Week continue to strengthen the UK’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by creating practical pathways for business growth while celebrating the remarkable achievements of Black talent across every sector of the economy.
Top 25 Black Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2026
- Dr. Aghogho Okpara – Founder, Achieve with Aghogho (AWA)
- Ayokunu Oduniyi – Founder, A&O Studios & 4:12 Men
- Charmaine Hayden – Investor, Strategist & Cultural Commentator
- Dayo Okewale – Founder & CEO, Who’s Got Game
- Debodun Osekita – CEO, Stock Pickers Academy
- Fisayo Martins – Founder, Finance Matters UK
- Francesca Brown – Founder & CEO, Goals4Girls
- George Turoti – Co-Founder, Cháps
- Rioke Udugba – Co-Founder, Cháps
- Taslim Asubiaro – Co-Founder, Cháps
- Janet Davies – Co-Founder, Ominira Naturals
- Shola Davies – Co-Founder, Ominira Naturals
- Dr. Kevin Dapaah – Co-Owner, Dove Dental & Wellbeing Spa
- Dr. Jamal Johnston – Co-Owner, Dove Dental & Wellbeing Spa
- Kay Dove – Co-Owner, Dove Dental & Wellbeing Spa
- Dr. King SMADE (Adesegun Adeosun Jr.) – Founder, SMADE Group & Afro Nation
- Lavinya Stennett – Founder & CEO, The Black Curriculum
- Leanne Pero MBE – Founder & CEO, Black Women Rising UK & The Movement Factory
- Melanie Frempong – Founder & CEO, Mel’s Meals
- Mimi Itseli – Music Tastemaker & Creative Strategist
- Ngoni Chikwenengere – Founder, We Are KIN
- Nnaemeka Obodoekwe – Co-Founder & CTO, Lenkie
- Paige Lewin – Founder, Team Texture
- Paul C. Brunson – Co-Founder, Slateroom; Founder, SOAR Productions & My Relational Health
- Rachel Ama – Founder & CEO, AMA’S
- Segun Akinwoleola – Founder, The Gym Kitchen
- Susan Allen – Co-Founder, Here We Flo
- Tara Attfield-Tomes – Founder, EAST VILLAGE. & The 51% Club
- Thomas Robson-Kanu – CEO, The Turmeric Co.
- YolanDa Brown OBE – Co-Founder, Soul Mama
- Adetokunbo “T” Oyelola – Co-Founder, Soul Mama
Celebrating a Decade of Black Business Excellence
As the UK Black Business Show enters its second decade, the Top 25 Black Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2026 serves as a powerful reminder of the growing influence of Black-owned businesses within the UK’s economy. These entrepreneurs are not only building successful companies—they are creating employment, driving innovation, championing diversity, mentoring future founders, and reshaping industries through bold leadership and fresh ideas.
Their achievements demonstrate the transformative power of entrepreneurship and highlight the importance of creating an inclusive business environment where talent can thrive regardless of background. As Black entrepreneurship continues to flourish, the UK Black Business Show and HSBC UK remain committed to recognising those whose vision, resilience, and determination are helping shape the future of British business for generations to come.
