Foundervine, a leading UK organisation dedicated to supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs, has announced a new partnership with UK Export Finance (UKEF), the UK government's export credit agency, to deliver a Global Growth Accelerator, a two-year initiative designed to help ethnic minority-led businesses expand into international markets.
The partnership will see Foundervine design and deliver a specialist accelerator programme supporting up to 30 UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across two annual cohorts in 2027 and 2028. Open to eligible ethnic minority-led businesses from across the UK, the primarily virtual programme aims to equip ambitious businesses with the knowledge, networks and financial readiness needed to compete and grow internationally.
The programme reflects a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive business landscape by addressing barriers that can prevent ethnic minority-led enterprises from accessing international trade opportunities and the finance needed to pursue them.
For many ambitious UK businesses, expanding internationally represents a significant opportunity for growth. However, navigating unfamiliar markets, understanding export regulations, managing financial risks and securing the right funding can present considerable challenges.
These barriers can be particularly difficult for entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds, who may have less access to established financial networks and specialist export support.
Through the Accelerator, Foundervine and UKEF aim to bridge this gap by providing practical guidance, expert-led learning and access to networks that can help founders build sustainable international businesses. Participants will also strengthen their understanding of the export finance options available and how to navigate the financial support appropriate to their growth ambitions.
The partnership aligns with UKEF's wider commitment to inclusive trade, ensuring that businesses across the UK, regardless of their size, location or ownership, have greater opportunities to benefit from international trade.
The Accelerator will support up to 15 ethnic minority-led SMEs per cohort through an intensive eight-week programme, combining primarily virtual learning with selected in-person events, specialist workshops, masterclasses and expert-led clinics.
The programme will cater to businesses at two distinct stages of their international growth journey:
Participants will receive tailored support across key areas including international market strategy, export operations, logistics, compliance, understanding export finance options, strengthening financial readiness and risk management.
Beyond expert-led learning, participants will develop practical tools to support their international growth, including a route-to-market plan, export operations checklist, finance readiness pack and export risk register. These resources will help businesses translate their international ambitions into actionable strategies and prepare for the next stage of their export journey.
The accelerator will culminate in an Export Growth Showcase, where participating businesses will present their international growth plans to representatives from UKEF, finance providers and ecosystem partners.
The first cohort is expected to begin in May 2027, with recruitment opening in February 2027.
Commenting on the partnership, Cecil Adjalo, Chief Operating Officer at Foundervine, said:
"The ambition and potential of ethnic minority-led businesses in the UK are enormous, but too often, the opportunity to grow internationally is limited by access to the right knowledge, networks and finance.
At Foundervine, we've always believed that entrepreneurial talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn't always equally accessible. Our partnership with UK Export Finance is about changing that. We want to help ambitious founders look beyond the UK market, build the confidence and capabilities to compete globally, and turn their international ambitions into sustainable business growth.
This is an exciting opportunity to combine Foundervine's experience in supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs with UKEF's expertise in international trade and export finance, creating meaningful pathways for more British businesses to succeed on the global stage."
Zara Hussain | Head of Business Development and Inclusive Trade at UK Export Finance, added:
"Great entrepreneurs can come from anywhere, but too many from ethnic minority backgrounds face barriers to the networks and resources that can help them grow internationally.
“Through our partnership with Foundervine, UKEF will provide practical, targeted support to help ambitious businesses from across the UK become more export-ready, financially prepared and confident about pursuing opportunities overseas. It is part of our commitment to ensuring that businesses can access the benefits of international trade regardless of location, size or ownership.”
Building a more iInclusive gGlobal bBusiness eEcosystem
The Accelerator represents a further step in Foundervine's mission to make entrepreneurship more accessible and ensure that underrepresented founders have the support and opportunities needed to build successful, sustainable businesses.
By combining entrepreneurial development with specialist export finance expertise, the partnership seeks to help participating businesses move beyond identifying international opportunities to building practical export strategies, strengthening their financial readiness and developing the tools needed to enter and expand in global markets.
Applications for the first cohort of the Accelerator are expected to open in February 2027.
Founders interested in learning more about the programme and upcoming application opportunities can register their interest here.
Foundervine is a UK-based social impact organisation dedicated to creating a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. Through accelerator programmes, mentorship, strategic partnerships and access to networks, Foundervine supports entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds to start, grow and scale successful businesses.
Working with leading corporate, financial and ecosystem partners, Foundervine is committed to removing barriers to entrepreneurship and unlocking opportunities for the next generation of business leaders.
Website: www.foundervine.com
UK Export Finance (UKEF) is the UK's export credit agency and a government department. Its mission is to advance prosperity by helping UK businesses export, providing finance and insurance solutions that enable businesses to win international contracts, fulfil orders and get paid.
UKEF works with businesses of all sizes and across sectors, supporting exporters throughout the UK to access opportunities in international markets.
Website: www.ukexportfinance.gov.uk
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