Small Business Series: Meet the Founder

Join Grow London Local in bringing together Black and ethnic minority founders from across London – connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, share insights from your journey and get help with the challenges of running your own small business. In this session, learn about the power of community in business and the importance of building networks and communities to help your business grow.

Guest speaker: Dr Chinedu Agwu, CEO and founder of BioSci Toolkit

Dr Chinedu Agwu is the CEO and founder of BioSci Toolkit, a resource designed to empower and support more students to pursue bioscience degrees as well as provide more visibility to the diversity of individuals in this sector and the breadth of opportunities. In this session, Dr Agwu will discuss the importance of networking and building the correct community to achieve success in career or business. She will also talk about how she’s seen this impact the young people she works with who are from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds.

Guest speaker: Ryan Panchoo, founder of Borough 22 Doughnuts

Ryan Panchoo runs a successful doughnut business called Borough 22 Doughnuts. In 2014, Ryan set out to create doughnuts that were safe, delicious and allergy-friendly for his children and their friends. That same mission drives everything that is produced at Borough 22, with signature doughnuts made with the same care and love as the original recipe, ensuring they're not only safe and inclusive but also indulgent and full of flavour. Ryan has managed to get his doughnuts stocked in Selfridges. He will share his journey of getting into big retailers and how to connect with the right people to successfully grow a business.

Grow London Local’s team of Business Support Managers will also be in attendance. Light refreshments provided. Spaces are limited – book your spot today!

Date: Wednesday 29 October

Time: 12pm-2pm (with optional networking until 3pm)

Location: The Africa Centre, 66 Great Suffolk Street, London SE1 0BL

If you have any questions, please contact us at eventenquiries@growlondonlocal.london.

Agenda:

12pm-12.30pm | Welcome from Grow London Local

• Introduction to Grow London Local.
• Overview of the event’s aim and outcomes.

12.30pm-1pm | Guest speakers

Dr Chinedu Agwu – CEO and founder, BioSci Toolkit

• Building a science-based business.
• The role of community in business growth.

Ryan Panchoo – Founder, Borough 22 Doughnuts

• From kitchen to cult-favourite brand.
• How community and values drive success.

1pm-1.30pm | Quick-fire session: “Agree or disagree”

• A fun, interactive game to spark conversation and insight.

1.30pm-1.45pm | Networking and speedy founder introductions

• Connect with fellow business owners.
• Share your name and business in a quick-fire intro round.

1.45pm-2pm | Feedback and close

• Share your thoughts on the session.
• Hear about upcoming events and support from Grow London Local.

2pm-3pm | Networking buffer

• Stay a little longer to connect more deeply with attendees.