Black and Being Essex CIC
Nominee Profile
Location: Essex
Black and Being Essex CIC is a community-led organisation founded to increase visibility, connection, and support for Black and mixed-race people across Essex. Registered as a Community Interest Company in October 2024, we operate through two key strands:
1) A directory of Black-owned businesses across the region
2) A membership-based social group for Black, mixed-race women and non-binary people, focused on exploring Essex and creating meaningful community spaces.
We currently have 31 businesses listed on our directory and a membership of nearly 200 Black, mixed race women and non-binary people with 50+ on the waiting list. We have monthly meet ups, subgroups for local areas, and activities ranging from walks and brunches to pottery, bouldering, and recently we had our first members gala. Our work is run entirely by volunteers.
1) A directory of Black-owned businesses across the region
2) A membership-based social group for Black, mixed-race women and non-binary people, focused on exploring Essex and creating meaningful community spaces.
We currently have 31 businesses listed on our directory and a membership of nearly 200 Black, mixed race women and non-binary people with 50+ on the waiting list. We have monthly meet ups, subgroups for local areas, and activities ranging from walks and brunches to pottery, bouldering, and recently we had our first members gala. Our work is run entirely by volunteers.