The Black Umbrellas Virtual Incubator is an online platform that is designed to offer training, mentoring support and business coaching from anywhere with an internet connection. No matter where you are in your entrepreneurial journey, we’ll help you build a resilient, compliant and sustainable business.
Black Umbrellas was established in August 2006 to provide funding, resources, training and support to emerging black-owned small, medium and micro enterprises.
No, Black Umbrellas is a generalist incubator. All sectors welcome.
No, any business can apply to join the virtual incubation programmes. You have to be a 100% black-owned business or black person and unable to afford the virtual incubation fees in order to apply for a bursary.
Maximum of 3 months
How to formalise my business to ensure it is compliant with all applicable legislation as well as developing a business model canvas using the lean start up methodology together with a business plan and business pitch.
Maximum of 9 months
If you complete the Business Foundation Programme, you can choose to continue with the Business Readiness Programme. Entrepreneurs who are assessed as qualifying for the Business Readiness Programme without having to complete the Business Foundation Programme can be fast-tracked to join the Business Readiness Programme.
One-on-one session with Business Coach, one-on-one sessions with Mentor (Minimum 1 hr per month), complete online training, participate in incubation activities (Virtual workshops, peer learning activities, sharing experiences, etc.)
E-Learning platform, dynamic Incubation stages to complement business lifecycle stage, professional Business Coaching, Mentor Programme, Business Lounges that can be accessed on an ad-hoc basis and can also be used as an alternative to WFH (work from home) These spaces provide printing, meeting room, access to high speed fibre internet and audio-visual facilities. Co-working spaces that provide ad-hoc or short to medium term office space and bookkeeping services
2 hours of coaching with a business coach and 1 hour with a professional mentor per month. Bookkeeping services are provided at an extra charge.
E-Learning zone Dynamic Incubation stages to complement business lifecycle stage Professional Business Coaching Mentor Programme Business Lounges that can be accessed on an ad-hoc basis and can also be used as an alternative to WFH (work from home). These spaces provide printing, meeting room, access to high speed fibre internet and audio-visual facilities. Co-working spaces that provide ad-hoc or short to medium term office space Bookkeeping services
The Black Umbrellas Program takes no equity, and there are no restrictions on participating in other incubator/accelerator programs.