There’s no doubt about it, Black women are increasingly coming to the forefront of the business world these days, yet unfortunately, it’s still true that less than half of all new businesses have black female founders. With recent evidence showing that closing the current gender gap could generate an impressive £250 billion for the UK’s economy, it’s no wonder that those companies that offer start-up advice and loans to new entrepreneurs are actively looking for better ways to support women who want to get into business.

If you’re ready to launch your own company but, as a woman, you felt that the world of enterprise wasn’t geared up for you, it might surprise you to learn that some of the biggest and best-known organizations in the country were actually set up by black women. Let these leading ladies inspire you and give you the boost you need to establish your own business today.