Archway Market pop-up events to champion Black-owned businesses
A new series of pop-up events at Archway Market will spotlight Black entrepreneurship, celebrate cultural diversity, and create lasting opportunities for local Black-owned businesses to flourish in Islington.
Islington Council has commissioned local entrepreneurs Tricia Blake of Diva Choice and Natalie Royer of NLPR Agency to deliver the Black Excellence Pop-Up series, designed to showcase and support innovative Black-owned businesses in the borough. The programme will provide a supportive platform where local Black-owned businesses can connect with new audiences and establish a regular presence in the community.
The series will launch on 11 December and feature an exciting lineup of vendors offering fashion, art, food, and gift items perfect for the holiday season. This will be followed by a Youth Market in collaboration with The Lift Youth Project and a Female Entrepreneurs Market for International Women’s Day in 2025.
Cllr Santiago Bell-Bradford, Islington Council’s Executive Member for Inclusive Economy, Culture, and Jobs said: “Our ambition is to create a more equal Islington, where everyone has the same opportunity to reach their potential. To achieve that, we need to build a fairer local economy for all our residents, businesses, and communities.
“Islington’s economy is characterised by its brilliant small businesses, innovation, and entrepreneurialism. Our fantastic street markets offer great opportunities for entrepreneurs with good value stall rents and great locations in central London. This initiative celebrates Black-owned businesses and helps ensure people from all backgrounds can succeed as entrepreneurs and business owners.”
Funded from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with plans for a monthly Black-owned business event at Archway Market following the pop-up series, the project’s impact is set to continue for the long term.
Tricia Blake, co-founder of the Black Excellence Community Interest Company (CIC) said: “Our goal is to create lasting economic opportunities for Black-owned businesses in Islington, fostering connections and building visibility for talented entrepreneurs who might otherwise face barriers in traditional retail spaces. We are very excited to have the opportunity to bring these businesses to the forefront and encourage people to come to Archway Market and take a look!”
Event Details
All events will take place at Archway Market, In Navigator Square N19.
11 December 2024: Black Excellence Pop-Up Fest
19 February 2025: Youth Market in collaboration with The Lift Youth Project
5 March 2025: Female Entrepreneurs Market for International Women’s Day
For more information on the Black Excellence Pop-Up or to get involved, please email blackexcellencecic@gmail.com or call 07304065453
Contact information
If you are a member of the public with a general question about the council please view the contact information on our website or call 020 7527 2000.