Who is the initiative for?

Black In Business is open to Black Entrepreneurs and Black Owned Businesses across the UK, those with a particular view to grow and scale their business through TV Advertising.

To be eligible for the initiative, Businesses must meet the following criteria upon application:

  • Businesses must have generated a minimum revenue turnover of £250,000 in their last financial year. 
  • Businesses must not have invested into TV advertising before (i.e. this is the first time they’ve ever run a TV campaign.
  • Must have at least 50% of Founding team identify as Black
  • Proof of existence and provide a company number and VAT number
  • You’re over 18 years of age
  • Your product must be in the market for at least 6 months [from date of application]
  • Must have professional indemnity insurance of at least £1m as well as public liability insurance of at least £10m

If you have met the above eligibility, businesses will then be selected based on their suitability with the initiative, and their fit with Channel 4 and Lloyds.

The Application Process

The application process will involve 3 stages:

Stage 1: Written Application. This is your chance to tell us about your business. The entry form consists of around 30 questions, half of which are short form or tick box questions, and the other half are more descriptive, to allow us to understand your business, how it operates, what makes you different and how TV advertising would tie into your marketing strategy and help your business grow. Businesses will only be able to proceed once you have confirmed your businesses generates over £250,000 and you have a business website.  

Head o our FAQ’s page to understand why we have set this criteria.

We recommend you complete the form all at once as you are unable to save and come back to it.  If you have a disability and need additional help with submitting your application, please email us at 4sales@channel4.co.uk and we’ll be happy to help. 

Deadline to apply: Monday 28th October 2024

Stage 2: Character Video about the founder(s). You will be asked to send a 5-10 minute video answering pre-determined questions, this is your chance to tell us about you.

Stage 2 video submissions deadline: Monday 2nd December 2024

Stage 3: Face to face panel Interview, this is your chance to tell us about your team, your processes, and why you and your business is the perfect fit for this initiative.  

Final face to face interviews in London: Tuesday 14th January 2025

Other key dates

Notify winning businesses: Thursday 16th January 2025

Masterclasses, Mentorship and creative development and production of ads: February 2025 – July 2025

TV Adverts on air: Q3 2025

Please thoroughly read through our initiative terms and conditions before applying

The Small Print

All the important info you need to know before applying!

Applications are now open

Applications are now open until 28th October 2024.

2024 Entry Submission