We are Edinburgh Innovations, the commercialisation service at the University of Edinburgh. We benefit society and the economy by helping researchers, students and industry drive innovation. We also offer a full entrepreneurial support service for students and recent graduates at the University of Edinburgh. Find out more on our full calendar of events, workshops, competitions, support programmes, 1-2-1 business advice, online resources and more by signing up to our newsletter.
In celebration of Black History Month we are highlighting a selection of black-owned businesses based in Scotland that you can support now and several historical black entrepreneurs. Highlighted are 20 businesses, organisations and projects, check them out below.
By supporting black-owned businesses you are helping to close the racial wealth gap, strengthen the local economy and foster job creation.
1. The Good Store
Selling organic produce with plastic free packaging. Currently running a click and collect service to help customer’s social distance as well as business as normal.
2. Myopia
Works to connect globally disparate people with concerns about education reform. This website is devoted to diversifying university curricula through crowdsourcing material from students, revolutionising the way that curricula are designed.
4. Knight's Kitchen
Family run business providing home-cooked Kenyan soul food. Main meals, street food, snacks and baked goods. Café coming soon.
5. PERF
Vegan and organise lifestyle brand using Fairtrade ingredients wherever possible to help support health, natural beauty and happiness.
6. AV Fitness
Personal training sessions to help you keep fit and stay positive, whatever your starting point AV Fitness can help you achieve your fitness goals. Available as outdoor sessions or online.
7. Rebel Roots
100% natural hair oils and growth serums, hair and clothing accessories alongside a range of afrocentric designs. Working with a network of designers, entrepreneurs and producers to create amazing colourful products which celebrate African Roots.
8. Riverlife
Relaxed family run restaurant best known for their fusion of French and Caribbean cuisine. Currently offering collection and reservation (limited spaces due to current restrictions). Find them at: 84 Dalry Road, EH11 2AX
11. Nnembas
Handmade African inspired printed hair accessories and masks.
12. Matugga Rum
Award winning rum distilled locally from East African molasses. Using the finest ingredients from the easterly region of Africa these spirits are crafted in the UK.
13. De La Rose Hair and Beauty
Full-service hair and beauty salon and are braid and weave specialists. Also selling high quality hair and beauty products.
14. Aunt Daisy’s Finest
Homemade, old fashioned sweet treats including vegan toffee, various favoured fudge, marshmallow bark and coconut ice.
15. Fringe of Colour
Spotlighting shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival by performers of colour.
16. Project X
A multi-disciplinary, collectively run organisation based in Scotland, championing and platforming dance of the African and Caribbean Diaspora.
17. Infohubme
Online platform created for children to build literacy network, friendships, building cultural awareness and confidence, African Children’s Science Network allowing children to write and publish their books.
18. The Content Witches
An organisation providing rich, engaging content with inclusive language. With templates and guides to help you find the perfect content for your needs.
19. We Are Here Scotland
A project in development that aims to highlight black and ethnic minority creatives in Scotland in the form of an audio documentary series.
20. Yon Afro
A collective of black women based in Scotland focused on centring their experience of blackness through collective activism and collaboration with the purpose to improve visibility.
This is not an exhaustive list of black owned businesses based in Scotland, we have highlighted a selection from different sectors. If you have any suggestions that you would like included, just let us know by emailing: marketing@ei.ed.ac.uk
Edinburgh Innovations
We are Edinburgh Innovations, the commercialisation service at the University of Edinburgh, we benefit society and the economy by helping researchers, students and industry drive innovation. We seek opportunities, we build partnerships, we make the journey easy, and we add value at every stage.
We also offer a full entrepreneurial support service for students and recent graduates at the University of Edinburgh. Find out more on our full calendar of events, workshops, competitions, support programmes, 1-2-1 business advice, online resources and more by signing-up to our newsletter.