Where you’re from should never limit where you’re going.
BHBB helps immigrant founders turn ambition into traction through peer support, storytelling, and investor readiness.
A new kind of founder programme for the immigrant generation.
Across the UK, brilliant immigrant founders are building products, platforms, and solutions, often while working full-time, navigating visa rules or restrictions, and figuring out the startup landscape alone. In the West Midlands, one of the UK’s most diverse regions, their talent is visible everywhere except where it should matter most: in accelerators, investor rooms, and regional tech networks. The problem isn’t ambition, it’s access. Many founders simply need a space that understands their realities, connects them to opportunities, and helps them build with confidence.
Funded through the UK Tech Cluster Group’s Catalyst Pilot, BHBB is a six-month, fully funded support programme helping immigrant and diaspora-led tech founders in the West Midlands grow stronger businesses, tell better stories, and scale across borders. Led by TN Naija, a community of over 600 Nigerian tech professionals across the UK, BHBB combines practical workshops, peer support, and investor readiness tools, all designed around the lived experience of immigrant founders.
What You’ll Gain
Founder Circles: small peer groups offering accountability, shared learning, and real founder community.
Innovation Ecosystem Clinics: guidance on understanding the UK innovation ecosystem and how to access it to achieve your startup goals.
Investment Readiness Sprints: hands-on support to refine your pitch, deck, and investor story.
Diaspora Connect Labs: cross-border sessions linking founders in the UK and Africa.
Bridge Beyond Showcase: an in-person public event to share your journey and connect with investors.
To be considered, applicants must:
Be based in the West Midlands (Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton or nearby areas).
Be an immigrant or first-generation founder, or of diaspora background (e.g. African-born or heritage).
Have a registered UK tech or innovation-driven business, or be planning to register one during the programme.
Be actively engaged or exploring a venture that leverages technology, innovation, or digital tools.
Commit to participating in at least 80% of the programme activities (evenings/weekends included) and actively contribute to helping other participants.
Be available to attend the Kickoff Workshop in early November 2025 and the Bridge Beyond Showcase in February 2026.
The following are not eligible:
Founders or businesses based outside the West Midlands region.
Purely non-technical or non-innovative ventures (e.g. retail-only or trading businesses without digital components).
Organisations already receiving equivalent funded accelerator or incubator support during the same period.
Be actively engaged or exploring a venture that leverages technology, innovation, or digital tools.
Selection Priorities
Demonstrate clear intent to grow or scale their venture locally or globally.
Show a commitment to community, peer learning, and sharing knowledge.
Are first-time founders or those transitioning from employment to entrepreneurship.
Represent sectors that contribute to regional innovation (e.g. foodtech, fintech, healthtech, education, or sustainability).
Application Outcome
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all available spots are filled.
Shortlisted applicants may be contacted for a short virtual interview.
All applicants will be informed of outcomes via email.
2025 Timeline
This fully funded programme will be delivered through a mix of virtual and in-person sessions from November 2025 to March 2026.
20 October
Applications open
03 November
Applications closes
09 November
BHBB begins
01 March
Bridge Beyond Showcase (Birmingham)
Frequently Asked Questions
BHBB is a six-month pilot programme funded under the UK Tech Cluster Group’s Regional Tech Booster initiative. It supports immigrant and diaspora-led tech founders in the West Midlands to build locally and scale globally through peer learning, investor readiness, and storytelling.
BHBB is led by TN Naija, a UK-based network of 600+ Nigerian tech professionals, in collaboration with partners including Pitchhub UK, Odba VC and others.
Participants will access:
- Peer learning and accountability circles (Founder Circles)
- Investment readiness clinics
- Cross-border learning sessions with UK and Diaspora operators
- Pitch preparation workshops and 1-1 investment advisory
- Bridge Beyond Showcase, where selected founders present to investors and ecosystem stakeholders
A total of 30 founders (20 with registered businesses and 10 aspiring entrepreneurs).
Yes, participants who complete the programme will receive a Certificate of Completion and be featured in TN Naija’s Bridge Beyond Showcase and final impact publication.
No. Participation in BHBB is fully funded, but spaces are limited and competitive
Expect 4–6 hours per month across workshops, Founder Circles, and optional 1-1 sessions. Key sessions are hybrid and scheduled in evenings/weekends.
- Applications Open: October 2025
- Kickoff Workshop: Early November, 2025
- Programme Runs: November 2025 – March 2026
- Bridge Beyond Showcase: February 2026
BHBB doesn’t directly fund startups but helps founders become investment-ready and facilitates warm introductions to investors and innovation support networks especially in the West Midlands.
Yes, participants who complete the programme will receive a Certificate of Completion and be featured in TN Naija’s Bridge Beyond Showcase and final impact publication.
Join the First Cohort
30 spots + 6 months.
One powerful opportunity to build locally and bridge globally. BHBB is building a bridge between two worlds: where you come from and where you’re building next. By joining, you’ll gain clarity, confidence, and connections that can redefine your venture, and the ecosystem around you.
This project is part of the Regional Tech Booster programme, funded by the UKGovernment and supported by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, in partnership with the UK Tech Cluster Group.