Lloyds Banking Group has announced the return of its Black in Business initiative for a third year, deepening its commitment to supporting Black entrepreneurs across the UK through funding, mentorship, and national exposure.
Delivered in partnership with Channel 4, the 2026 programme will see four Black-owned businesses each receive up to £200,000 in advertising airtime, an increase on previous years, alongside a professionally produced TV advert and direct mentorship from senior leaders within both organisations.
For Lloyds, the initiative forms part of a broader strategy to break down barriers faced by Black business owners and improve access to growth opportunities.
Beyond the advertising campaign, the bank continues to offer mentoring programmes, networking opportunities, and accelerator schemes aimed at helping businesses scale sustainably.
Amanda Murphy, CEO of Business and Commercial Banking at Lloyds, said the programme reflects the bank’s ambition to drive meaningful change:
“We want more Black-owned businesses to be seen, supported and celebrated. Together, we want to tackle the barriers, open more doors and help these businesses to scale – whether that’s through our mentoring programme or the unique reach that comes with advertising on Channel 4.
“I’m looking forward to meeting this year’s successful businesses, and excited to see where their ambition leads them.”
Since launching in 2023, Black in Business has delivered measurable success for participants.
Businesses from previous cohorts have reported sharp increases in sales, customer growth, and brand awareness after gaining access to prime-time TV advertising, an opportunity that is often out of reach for smaller enterprises.
The initiative also aligns with Lloyds’ wider role in supporting UK businesses. The group provides financial services to around one million businesses nationwide, combining digital banking tools with relationship-led support and specialist financial expertise.
Its work spans funding, trade finance, risk management, and tailored advisory services designed to help businesses grow domestically and internationally.