About
Rooted in Culture
Driven by Impact
Black Excellence CIC is a community-focused organization that exists to celebrate, elevate, and empower Black culture, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Through bold events, collaborative initiatives, and strategic partnerships, we create vibrant platforms and an ever-growing resource hub where Black talent thrives, and community pride flourishes. From our earliest events to our most recent city-wide collaborations, Black Excellence CIC continues to foster a culture of inclusion, inspiration, and innovation.
Our vision
As a registered Community Interest Company (CIC), our mission is to create lasting social value through cultural, creative, and entrepreneurial platforms. We’re committed to driving economic inclusion, amplifying Black voices, and building a legacy of excellence.
Our movement
Black Excellence CIC isn’t just a brand, it’s a movement. From local markets to multi-day festivals and workshops, we’re building a future where Black brilliance is seen, celebrated, and supported every day. Follow our journey. Get involved.
Our partnerships
Our partnerships with organizations such as Islington Council, Peabody, Archway Market, The Lift, and the Black Culture Collective allow us to scale our impact while staying rooted in authentic community engagement. Together, we grow where our roots already run deep.
Showcase
We spotlight local Black talent through high-visibility events and vibrant performances.
Empower
Through business support and entrepreneurial initiatives, we help Black-owned businesses grow.
Celebrate
We honour the richness of Black heritage while embracing innovation and progress.
Connect
We foster networking opportunities that lead to real collaboration and lasting partnerships.
Educate
From branding to business skills, we create spaces for learning that are practical, engaging, and impactful.
Unite
We cultivate safe, inclusive environments where people from all walks of life can come together.
Our Journey
Our work is rooted in celebration and impact. Here's a look at the powerful moments that have shaped our story so far
Thamesmead Series (2023 – 2024)
We proudly delivered four major events in Thamesmead, supported by partners like Peabody and the Black Culture Collective, which brought energy, creativity, and opportunity to the heart of the community:
October 2023 – Our debut Pop-Up Fest featured a vibrant mix of vendors, performances, and cultural showcases, laying the foundation for what was to come.
December 2023 – The Christmas Market brought festive cheer and holiday shopping, highlighting the creativity of local Black-Owned Businesses.
March 2024 – A vibrant community-focused market, this event welcomed a wide array of businesses and creatives, celebrating diversity and entrepreneurship across the board
April 2024 -We closed the series with a lively Black Excellence Pop-Up Fest, packed with workshops, performances, and a buzzing marketplace that brought the community together.
The Black Excellence Weekender – Tower Hamlets (November 2024)
In November, we launched our most ambitious event yet a three-day cultural and entrepreneurial experience in Tower Hamlets, known as The Black Excellence Weekender. This groundbreaking festival fused comedy, dance, and entrepreneurship, offering something new and impactful at every turn:
Friday 29th of November 2024 – The event kicked off with Cupcakes & Cocktails, a celebration of female entrepreneurship hosted by Diva Choice, filled with inspiring stories and powerful networking moments.
Saturday 30th of November (Day) – We returned to our roots with our signature Black Excellence Pop-Up Fest, hosting over 50 Black-owned businesses, from fashion to food and everything in between.
Saturday 30th of November (Night) – In a standout moment, we gave a young Black female entrepreneur the opportunity to showcase her very first dance showcase, and launch her company Rhythm Masters, to a packed and enthusiastic audience.
Sunday 1st of December – The festival closed with laughter and connection at Quincy the Comedian’s Comedy Lounge, bringing together humour, culture, and community.
Vendor stalls were featured throughout the weekend, giving businesses multiple opportunities to meet new customers, grow their audience, and become part of something special.
Islington Series with Archway Market (Dec 2024 – March 2025)
In collaboration with Islington Council and Archway Market, we designed a three-part series of community markets that empowered Black entrepreneurs, youth innovators, and women in business
December 2024: Black Excellence Pop-Up Fest– Held within the festive period, this market offered a seasonal platform for Black-owned businesses, capturing the holiday buzz and promoting local shopping.
February 2025: Youth Market with The Lift Youth Project and Jigsaw – A bold, future-facing event where young creatives and entrepreneurs showcased their talents, shared their visions, and connected with mentors and customers alike, with an organised branding workshop held at the Lift to prepare our young budding entrepreneurs who were vending at this event.
March 2025: Female Entrepreneurs Market –Hosted during International Women’s Month this event spotlighted women-led enterprises across industries, celebrating innovation, leadership, and the spirit of female entrepreneurship.
Looking ahead
Looking ahead, Black Excellence CIC is excited to continue expanding our events across London and beyond. With the success of our past initiatives as a foundation, we are actively planning new markets, festivals, and collaborative experiences that will further support Black-owned businesses, emerging talent, and community connection. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements as we’re just getting started.