Last Friday Night, Daniella Marley, your VP Wellbeing and Diversity, attended the DBI Grand BAME Business Gala and Awards. The founders of DBI, Jabo Butera and David Feindouno formally set up Diversity Business Incubator in 2018. Their primary goal is to aid both established and aspiring entrepreneurs, focusing on supporting the minority ethnicity community in response to finding only a small number of businesses with ethnically diverse leadership in Plymouth. They offer consulting, mentoring, skills transfers, Business development plans, start-up support, representation and opportunities.
The DBI Awards is created to be a respected establishment that highlights the great work BAME businesses achieve daily in Plymouth and the surrounding area. It is centered to meet this need and recognise, celebrate, and reward the success and commend improved business for BAME communities. The Awards are proud to promote BAME excellence in business and to champion business equality for all. The award is done through recognition by their peers in the community: it’s for BAME’s and presented by BAME’s. Since the event commenced in 2018, the event has seen steady increase in attendance: starting with a turnout of around 75 people, Friday's award ceremony saw over 500 in attendance.
The evening highlighted the fantastic BAME owned and led businesses in the city and was opened with a speech from deputy Lord Mayor Cathy Watkins. All the food was cooked and served by local businesses and money raised at the evening went to Jeremiah’s journey, a charity who support grieving children & their families to help them through difficult times. Nadin Mashingaidze, a director of DBI and University of Plymouth alumni, spoke of the DBI values: passion, attitude, gratitude.
'It was a fantastic evening filled with incredibly talented individuals. I am very grateful to have been invited and to have had the opportunity to bring along PHD student Saam Hasaan and Lecturer Ahmed Adel Hammad.'
DBI wants to enhance their offering to inspire ambitions and reach other Minority communities within the South West Regions. With a key focus on nurturing and championing young talent, there is no age limit to apply for one of the services that DBI offers, just be passionate, willing and eager to learn.
To find out more, visit:
DBI - Diversity Business Incubator
