MBA 30
Key information
- Start of programme
- January / March / April 2025
- Location
- Campus
- Fees
-
- £3,250
Scholarships/bursaries available. See below for more details.
- £3,250
Course overview
The MBA 30 is here to supercharge your entrepreneurial journey, tailored specifically for Black entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Originated by registered charity Black British Initiative in association with the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation, the programme recognises race is a protected characteristic under the 2010 Equalities act and is designed to address issues of equity and equality.
This mini-MBA is unlike anything you’ve seen before—a dynamic, fast-paced course designed to deliver the most essential and practical business insights in record time, recognising time and costs are barriers to entry for micro and small businesses. Offered by the School of Finance and Management at SOAS University of London, the program boasts world-class academics and an array of distinguished guest speakers from top-tier companies and consulting firms.
This isn’t just theory—it’s a transformative experience, grounded in the challenges Black entrepreneurs face and designed to break through those barriers. You’ll master leadership, marketing, and decision-making while gaining razor-sharp analytical skills that will help you stay ahead of market trends. With a focus on strategy and innovation, this program arms you with the tools to scale your business while building a network of invaluable contacts.
Why MBA 30?
You’ll walk away with more than just new knowledge. The MBA 30 delivers:
- Access to exclusive networks: Establish relationships with role models, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs.
- A toolkit for success: Master business disciplines such as leadership, marketing, and financial analysis, equipping you to make data-driven decisions.
- Inspiration from the best: Learn from industry leaders who know what it takes to succeed.
- Confidence in your business plan: Gain clarity on your goals and design a solid growth strategy with support from seasoned academics and business professionals.
- Recognition and visibility: As one of only 30 participants per cohort, you’ll be part of an elite group of entrepreneurs that stand out in their industries.
- An accredited course, as successful participants will receive 15 credits (Year 2 Undergraduate level)
- A business plan that is reviewed and marked by SOAS academics, ready for implementation
This program combines academic rigor with real-world applications. Supported by prestigious sponsors like NatWest, Vodafone, and others, MBA 30 sets a powerful example of how corporate and educational worlds can unite to uplift talent and drive change. Take this unique opportunity to rewrite your business story. The MBA 30 is about action, growth, and community. Apply now and begin a transformative journey that will shape your business for years to come.
Structure
The MBA 30 course consists of sessions with SOAS academics and invited guest speakers over the course of 8 days over 4 weeks. The sessions are ordinarily taught on Mondays and Thursdays (save on holidays). The first and the last days are taught on campus, while the others online. Below is a high-level description of the course outline:
- Decision-making and entrepreneurship
- Analysing markets and market trends
- Understanding the economic outlook nationally and globally
- Marketing Strategy, Advertising, and Promotion
- Developing a Business Strategy
- Understanding the digital environment and digital marketing
- Appraising and mitigating risk
- Embedding Sustainability into business: Environmental and Social Governance (ESG)
- Managing people: Selection, Training, and Organisational design
- Managing people: Leadership, Motivation, and team building
- Managing Finance: Financial statements, Budgeting, and Forecasting
- Managing Finance: Fintech, Crowdfunding, and Venture capitals
- Managing Partners: Complementarities, Negotiations, and Joint ventures
- Managing Suppliers: Relational contracts, Quality, and Integration
- Cultivating an Entrepreneurial mindset
Teaching and learning
Sessions
- Session 6: 13 January – 6 February
Application deadline: 16 December - Session 7: 3 March – 27 March
Application deadline: 20 February - Session 8: 21 April – 15 May
Application deadline: 04 April