Ethnic minority business support in the West Midlands: challenges and developments

We examine the challenges and developments relating to the support of ethnic minority businesses (EMBs). The challenges pertain to the distinctiveness of business support needs, the 'mainstreaming' of EMB support, and the dynamics of delivery. An 'engaged scholarship' approach is adopted, on the basis of an examination of business support providers in the West Midlands. We find considerable evidence of 'policy learning' in respect of these challenges. Hence, a nuanced approach to EMB support needs is in evidence, and 'good practice' principles are adhered to in respect of mainstreaming and EMB engagement. However, the new era of austerity imperils many of these gains.