About this Event
Black Business Stories Manchester: Honouring Our Communities Through Enterprise
This event is proudly delivered by the Business & IP Centre (BIPC) Manchester in partnership with (IAB), a business growth platform dedicated to connecting entrepreneurs, professionals, investors, and opportunities across the UK and Africa.
About the Event
Join us for a special Black History Month 2026 event celebrating the achievements, resilience, and contributions of Black entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders across Greater Manchester.
Building on the success of the Black Business Meetup, the Business & IP Centre (BIPC) Manchester and Impact Africa Business, our Official Delivery Partner, are bringing together inspiring business leaders and changemakers to share their journeys, lessons learned, and insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, and community impact.
Through a keynote address, panel discussion, audience Q&A, and networking opportunities, attendees will gain practical inspiration, hear authentic stories of success and resilience, and connect with others who are helping to shape the future of Black enterprise.
Whether you're an established business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, student, community leader, or professional looking to grow your network, this event offers an opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired.
🎤 Keynote Speaker
Rev. Charles Kwaku-Odoi DL
Chief Executive Officer, Caribbean & African Health Network (CAHN)
Rev. Charles Kwaku-Odoi DL is Chief Executive of the Caribbean & African Health Network (CAHN), a leading national Black health organisation dedicated to reducing health inequalities and wider disparities.
He serves on a number of influential boards and groups, including the NHS Race and Health Observatory, Terrence Higgins Trust, National Churches Trust, the Manchester Foundation NHS Trust Council of Governors, and the Government SAGE Ethnicity Subgroup.
A Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, honorary member of the Faculty of Public Health (FPH), and honorary Ecumenical Canon at Manchester Cathedral, Charles is a passionate advocate for equity, inclusion, civic participation, and community empowerment. He was recognised in the Health Service Journal's list of the UK's 50 Most Influential Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic People in Health in both 2022 and 2023.
Keynote Address
Building Legacy, Creating Opportunity: Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Community Impact
🎙️ Panel Discussion: Our Stories, Our Success
An engaging conversation exploring entrepreneurship, leadership, resilience, community impact, and the realities of building successful organisations while creating opportunities for others.
Moderator
Founder, Impact Africa Business
Kwabena Anoff, professionally known , is a UK-based entrepreneur, property professional, and business ecosystem builder focused on strengthening economic and business connections between the UK and Africa.
He is the founder of Impact Africa Business (IAB) , an organisation dedicated to empowering Africans and the Black Community in the diaspora through entrepreneurship, investment, business education, and strategic networking opportunities.
He is also the convener of the Impact Africa Business & Investment Summit, an initiative aimed at building stronger UK–Africa business corridors and facilitating high-level conversations around trade, investment, banking, infrastructure, and entrepreneurship
Featured Panellists
✅ Rev. Charles Kwaku-Odoi DL
Chief Executive Officer, CAHN
✅
Founder, Nicx Graphics
✅
Cognitive Compliance
✅ Arnold & Simon
Founders, OWC Catering
🌟 What to Expect
- Inspirational keynote address
- Panel discussion featuring Black business leaders
- Audience Q&A
- Networking opportunities
- Entrepreneurial insights and practical advice
- Celebrating Black excellence in business and leadership
- Introduction to free business support and resources available through the Business & IP Centre (BIPC) Manchester
🤝 Official Delivery Partner
Impact Africa Business
Impact Africa Business is a business growth platform dedicated to connecting entrepreneurs to opportunities, investment, markets, and strategic partnerships across the UK and Africa. Through collaboration, networking, and ecosystem development, Impact Africa Business supports founders and business leaders to grow, scale, and succeed.
Hosted By
Business & IP Centre (BIPC) Manchester
Supporting entrepreneurs, start-ups, and businesses through free access to expert support, market research resources, intellectual property guidance, workshops, and networking opportunities.
Spaces are limited – register today to secure your place.
📅 Friday 9 October 2026
🕚 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Performance Space, Manchester Central Library
🎟️ Free Event | Booking Required
🤝 Official Delivery Partner: Impact Africa Business
Event venue & nearby stays
Performance Space, Manchester Central Library, Manchester central Library, Manchester, United Kingdom
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.