Five Knowsley Entrepreneurs Put Support and Strategy in Focus

By Daniel Okafor

Five Black female entrepreneurs from Knowsley took part in Knowsley Council’s annual Black History Month Entrepreneurship Event on Tuesday 13 October, the council said.

What did the event assemble?

The event took place at the Partnership for Learning Centre in Halewood. Knowsley Council said entrepreneurs, aspiring business owners and community leaders attended. Its Business Growth Team hosted the gathering alongside partner organisations including the Liverpool City Region Race Equality Hub and One Knowsley.

The agenda resembled a business roadmap, linking regional anti-racism priorities to five founder accounts and a marketplace of local Black-led businesses where participants could explore collaboration.

Cllr Tony Brennan, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, officially opened the event. He welcomed delegates and stressed the need to create opportunities for people from all backgrounds to start, grow and succeed in business.

Cllr Brennan said: “While Black History Month offers a valuable opportunity to highlight and celebrate Black achievement, innovation, and enterprise, our commitment to supporting Black-owned businesses and promoting inclusive economic growth extends throughout the year.”

Brennan urged aspiring entrepreneurs to use available resources, advice and support whether they were starting out, growing an established business or exploring a new opportunity.

He also said: “Knowsley is proud to be an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming borough. Events such as this not only showcase the talent, ambition, and leadership within our Black business community but also help inspire and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs.”

How did regional policy meet business needs?

Maleka Egeonu-Roby, Chair of the Liverpool City Region Race Equality Hub, and Emeka Onuora, Race Equality Project Manager, delivered the opening presentation on the Liverpool City Region’s Anti-Racism Strategy. Knowsley Council said delegates heard about progress in tackling inequalities, improving opportunities and supporting under-represented communities.

The first speakers connected the event to the Liverpool City Region’s Anti-Racism Strategy, while the panel supplied five local examples of how support, skills and networks shape business development.

Broadcaster and journalist Ngunan Adamu then led a discussion with Knowsley’s five successful Black female entrepreneurs. Knowsley Council said they introduced their companies, recounted challenges and lessons, and discussed future opportunities for growth, collaboration and innovation.

The panelists said support networks, mentors and business-development programmes helped them develop confidence, skills and connections. They described using Knowsley Council’s business support programme and support from the Liverpool City Region Race Equality Hub and One Knowsley.

Knowsley Council said their experiences encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs and demonstrated Black-owned businesses’ contribution to the borough’s economy and communities.

What businesses did the five founders represent?

The five firms span children’s therapy, adult care, international food retail, women’s professional support and premium ice cream, according to Knowsley Council’s published panel profiles.

• Destiny Katso — KidsKinetic Ltd: Knowsley Council said Katso founded the independent therapy provider, delivering Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy to children and young people. She built it so children feel understood and can reach their full potential. It works with families, schools and local authorities through assessments, interventions and practical support for children with SEND and additional needs.

• Esther Mugwaneza — Fond Health Care Ltd: The council described Mugwaneza as the company’s Founder and Managing Director and a Registered Adult Nurse. It said her move from frontline care into entrepreneurship was driven by a passion for people. Through Fond Health Care, she is creating jobs, championing diversity and helping raise standards of compassionate care across Merseyside and Cheshire.

• Fawziatu Iddrisu — World In One Superstore: Knowsley Council described Iddrisu as an NHS nurse, entrepreneur and Ghana-born community advocate based in Knowsley. She saw a gap in Whiston after international foods were easy to find where she grew up. Her independent store brings African, Caribbean, Asian and other products to the community and creates a gathering place rooted in heritage and diversity.

Sylvia Kalungi — Women & Digital Inclusion (WODIN): Knowsley Council said Kalungi is a former legal practitioner with an LLB hons / LLM. It listed her as a social tech-preneur, soul-led speaker, best-selling author and digital branding strategist. She founded Women & Digital Inclusion to help women build a career or business that loves and serves a life that inspires them.

Yinka Koomson — Ujima Ice Cream: Knowsley Council said Koomson’s Liverpool-based brand sells premium, handcrafted treats. Ujima takes its name from the Swahili principle of collective work and responsibility. Koomson built the brand around culture, community and opportunity, with a focus on African heritage, representation for her children and the wider community, and a welcoming setting for cultural discovery.

What did the event leave behind?

Alongside its keynote presentations and panel discussion, the council said the event included a marketplace showcasing local Black-led businesses. Attendees could network with fellow entrepreneurs, business support organisations and community partners, exchange ideas and explore collaboration.

The annual event forms part of Knowsley Council’s Black History Month programme. The council said it reinforces its commitment to equality, diversity and opportunities for residents and businesses to thrive.

The practical test after 13 October is whether year-round advice and peer contact can turn one day of visibility into sustained business development and new collaborations. That is the standard set by Cllr Brennan’s year-round commitment and the panel’s focus on growth, collaboration and innovation.