Channel 4, in partnership with Lloyds, has announced the nine businesses shortlisted for Black in Business 2026.
Following a highly competitive application process, nine businesses have been shortlisted from applications received from across the UK. Four winners will each receive £200,000 worth of free advertising airtime on Channel 4.
The winning entrepreneurs will also benefit from the production of a bespoke television advert, alongside six months of tailored marketing support and business mentorship led by Lloyds, helping them unlock new opportunities and accelerate their long-term growth.
First launched in 2023, and now in its third year, Black in Business provides Black entrepreneurs with a platform to accelerate business growth through the power of television advertising. The initiative continues to evolve and expand, with a strong focus on championing Black representation both on and off screen across the television and media industry.
The nine businesses in the final shortlist for Black in Business 2026 are:
Sam Hicks, Head of Advertiser Strategy, Channel 4 Sales said:
“In its third iteration, Black in Business continues to attract an exceptional standard of entries. The vision, ambition and resilience shown by the selected businesses is inspiring, and we look forward to choosing this year’s four winners, who will benefit from a package designed to accelerate their growth through the power TV advertising.
“Each year, the calibre of applications grows stronger, reflecting the innovation and strength of Black entrepreneurs across the UK. We are proud that the initiative continues to provide ambitious businesses with the platform, support and visibility they need to reach their full potential.”
Amanda Murphy, CEO Lloyds Business & Commercial Banking, said:
Entrepreneurs are at the heart of economic growth, driving innovation, and creating jobs.
“Everyone with the ambition to start and grow a business should have access to the support and opportunities they need to succeed. Black in Business plays a vital role in helping to tackle some of the specific challenges that Black entrepreneurs can face. The quality of this year’s shortlisted businesses is truly impressive, reflecting the passion, resilience and ambition that exists across the UK’s Black business community.
“The programme was created to help close the gap in access to support and opportunity, and the calibre of applications we’ve seen this year demonstrates why that mission remains so important. I’m excited to see what this year’s winners achieve next and look forward to supporting them as they continue to grow and thrive.”
The final four winners are expected to be decided later this month with their bespoke ads set to air in 2027.
Previous winners include Nylah’s Naturals (2024), Flake Bake (2024), The Gym Kitchen (2023) and The Turmeric Co (2023), all of which have benefited from increased exposure, stronger brand recognition and significant business growth following their participation in the programme.
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Notes to editors:
About Channel 4
Channel 4 exists to create change through entertainment. Publicly owned yet commercially funded, Channel 4 generates significant and sustainable cultural, economic and social impact across the UK – at no cost to the taxpayer.
The broadcaster’s distinctive remit is set by Parliament, and it has a role to represent unheard voices, challenge with purpose and reinvent entertainment. For more than 40 years, it has been a British success story, engaging generation after generation of young people.
Working with hundreds of creative companies every year, Channel 4 makes a major contribution to the local, regional and national economy, creating and supporting thousands of jobs and businesses across the country.
In 2024, Channel 4 launched its Fast Forward strategy to accelerate its transformation into an agile and genuinely digital-first public service streamer by 2030. It is designed to ensure Channel 4 embraces the generational shift in TV viewing, elevates its impact across the UK and stands out in a crowded market.
From its bases in London, Leeds, Manchester, Bristol and Glasgow, Channel 4 is fully committed to harnessing the power of its regional structure to increase its impact across the UK. Through its training and development initiative 4Skills is opening up opportunities in broadcasting, with a particular focus on disadvantaged young people and addressing skills gaps across the Nations and Regions. 4Skills invests millions in training, development and learning opportunities annually.
Through Film4 Productions, Channel 4 also invests in British filmmakers to huge critical acclaim, producing 43 Oscar wins and 97 BAFTA wins in its history.
About Lloyds Banking Group
Lloyds Banking Group is a leading UK based financial services group providing a wide range of banking and financial services, focused on personal and commercial customers.
As part of the Group, Lloyds provides expert financial support and guidance to the households, businesses and communities of Britain.
We help businesses across the regions and nations of the UK, and across all different sectors and sizes, giving them the funding and support they need to grow both at home and abroad.
Our support for businesses
We’re proud to support one million UK businesses with leading digital and relationship banking services, as they start up, grow and thrive.
Through a network of relationship teams based across the UK, as well as internationally, we deliver a mix of local understanding and global expertise necessary to provide long-term support to our clients to help them fulfil their growth aspirations.
We offer a broad range of finance beyond term lending, spanning import and export trade finance, structured and asset finance, securitisation facilities and capital market funding.
Our product specialists provide bespoke financial services and solutions, including tailored cash management, international trade, treasury and risk management services.
To see the latest factsheet setting out how we support UK businesses please visit: Supporting British businesses - Lloyds Banking Group plc
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