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Home About us | Addleshaw Goddard Ethnic Business Growth Programme

ETHNIC BUSINESS GROWTH PROGRAMME

The Ethnic Business Growth Programme (EBGP) is a partnership between Addleshaw Goddard and HSBC dedicated to supporting ethnically diverse businesses across the UK.

Now in its third year, the programme connects ambitious founders and business leaders with experienced legal and business mentors, providing practical guidance, valuable connections and access to professional networks that can help accelerate growth.

Our commitment

We believe that talent and innovation exist everywhere, but access to opportunities, networks and support is not always equal. Through mentorship, collaboration and knowledge sharing, we aim to help diverse businesses overcome barriers, unlock new opportunities and achieve sustainable success.

By bringing together entrepreneurs, business leaders and industry experts, the programme creates a platform for growth, connection and long-term impact, helping to strengthen the UK's diverse business community.

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What can you expect?

Allyship

Listening to the issues faced by ethnically diverse owned enterprises and actively working together to try to facilitate positive change.

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Mentoring

Dedicated legal and business guidance to help you navigate through business issues that may arise.

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Performance

Providing support and solutions to assist in amplifying the success of your business.

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Applicant criteria:

In order to apply the business must:

  • have at least one founder that self-identifies as ethnically diverse; and
  • be established and registered in England and Wales.

What the programme involves: 

  • Dedicated AG legal mentor who will meet with each client (either virtually or in person) during the programme;
  • Dedicated business mentor from within HSBC or the wider business community who will meet with each client (either virtually or in person) during the programme;
  • Set amount of hours of free legal advice and a further discount on any advice provided on top of these hours;
  • Set amount of free business mentoring hours from their HSBC or wider business mentor;
  • Invitation to four workshops across the year and advice from AG and HSBC where relevant;
  • Access to relevant AG legal updates and other publications; and
  • Access to a dedicated network which links members of the cohort and alumni with each other and acts as a depository for self-service legal information.

*All of the above will be provided on a pro bono basis.

Useful resources

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Our community impact

Discover how we are making a positive impact through community initiatives, partnerships, and social responsibility programmes.

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Pro Bono

Championed across the business, our pro bono programme provides an outlet for colleagues to use their legal skills and expertise to help others.

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FAQ

What industry do you have to work in to apply?

There is no specific industry, business, or enterprise type. This initiative is open to all that fit the criteria no matter the focus. 

What is the financial threshold?

There is no specific financial requirement; eligibility is dependent upon the applicant being an established and registered business in England and Wales.

How is the support delivered: online or offline?

The programme offers a combination of online and in person support.

What kind of mentorship will I receive?
  • Dedicated 1-1 business mentor who will meet with each client once a quarter; and
  • Dedicated 1-1 AG mentor who will meet with each client 3 times (either virtually or in person) during the programme.
What can I expect to achieve?
  • The Ethnic Business Growth Programme (EBGP) is a collaborative process and can be tailored to suit each client's business needs. Each client is encouraged to engage as much as possible to get the most out of the programme.
  • Between AG, HSBC and Rowan each client will receive support in the areas of legal, financial and business planning. 
Who from my business can apply?

The programme is open to the founder(s) of each business and will seek to support them in achieving the business growth they desire.

Key contacts

Harold Brako
Harold Brako
Partner, Finance Disputes & Investigations
Manchester
Natasha Chahal
Natasha Chahal
Managing Associate, Commercial Litigation
London
Richard Fisk
Richard Fisk
Senior Pro Bono and Inclusion Manager
Richard Oman
Richard Oman
Partner, Finance
Manchester