Turning Talent into Opportunity and Community Impact
Black Achievers Network CIC is a member-led professional and enterprise network helping Black, immigrant and ethnically diverse people progress in their careers, build sustainable businesses and contribute their skills to their communities.
Building locally in Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire, with a wider UK ambition.
A network for people at every stage of their professional journey
Career Professionals
For people seeking progression, professional development, stronger networks or a successful career change.
Entrepreneurs
For business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs seeking practical knowledge, mentoring and growth connections.
People in Transition
For people navigating unemployment, redundancy, underemployment or significant professional change.
Mentors and Community Contributors
For experienced professionals who want to share their knowledge, volunteer their skills and support others.
Four connected areas of practical support
Career and Professional Development
Career planning, employability, workplace navigation, leadership development, mentoring and progression.
Enterprise and Business Growth
Business start-up knowledge, business planning, funding information, marketing, financial capability and entrepreneur networks.
Wellbeing and Belonging
Non-clinical support for the emotional and social effects of unemployment, underemployment, redundancy, relocation and career transition.
Community Contribution
Skills-based volunteering, mentoring, community partnerships and opportunities for members to use their experience to support others.
Practical opportunities, built with our members
We are developing our membership offer in stages. Planned opportunities include the activities listed here, with each launched as delivery partners, funding and member demand are confirmed.
- Career and professional-development workshops
- Business start-up and growth support
- Mentoring and peer-accountability groups
- Employer, recruitment and networking events
- Support during unemployment or career transition
- Confidence and emotional-wellbeing workshops
- Skills-based volunteering and community projects
- Career and enterprise conferences
- Community celebrations and recognition events
Green Awareness Project
Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, Green Awareness supports Black communities in Chesterfield and its environs to understand and act on climate issues that affect everyday life. Delivery is now under way, with the first sessions held.
Alongside our core work, special programmes cover funded, cultural and time-limited projects.
View special programmes
Join a Community Built for Progress and Contribution
BAN membership connects you with people, knowledge and opportunities that can support your professional or business journey. Members are also encouraged to share their experience, support others and contribute to stronger local communities.
Partner With Us to Turn Local Talent into Local Impact
Partners can support programme delivery, provide speakers or mentors, offer venues, sponsor activities, create volunteering opportunities, share employment or procurement opportunities and contribute specialist expertise.
Explore partnership- Employers and recruiters
- Corporate sponsors
- Local authorities and public bodies
- Churches and faith organisations
- Community and cultural organisations
- Universities and training providers
- Business advisers and professional-service firms
- Mental-health and wellbeing organisations
- Volunteer mentors and speakers
What we have done, and what we are working towards
Funded
Green Awareness Project awarded by The National Lottery Community Fund
100+
Attendees at our Q1 2024 home-ownership session with James Leighton
400+
Residents the Green Awareness Project aims to reach over 12 months
BAN is strengthening its evidence base through community consultation, programme feedback and outcome tracking. Updated results will be published as evidence becomes available.
How We Grow Together
- We learn together and share what we know.
- We support people without judgement and respect every journey.
- We give as well as receive.
- We celebrate progress, not only perfection.
- We use our skills, experience and connections to help others.
- We turn individual achievement into wider community impact.
Connect with people who want you to progress
Whether you are building a career, a business or a way to give back, there is a place for you in the network.
Connect. Grow. Contribute.