Applications close 19 September, or sooner when all 30 places are filled.
BFS Incubator Programme, Applications Open
Sixteen weeks from idea to a business that trades.
The next BFS Incubator cohort starts straight off the back of our Graduation Gala. If you’re a Black founder ready to build something real, this is the room to be in.
BFS Incubator · Boarding Pass
Next Cohort
Idea-stage & early founders welcome
26.09.26
Start date
£499
Full programme
Only 30
Places available
19.09.26
Applications close
50+
Founders supported
30+
Brands launching in 2026
16
Week programme
UK-registered social enterprise
Black Founders Studio exists because too many Black founders are building brilliant businesses with none of the infrastructure, capital access or community that turns an idea into a company. The Incubator is how we close that gap, one cohort at a time.
What you get
Four stages. One market-ready business.
Weeks 01–04
Ideation
Validate the idea, sharpen the offer, and find the customer who actually wants it.
Weeks 05–08
Branding
Name, identity and positioning that make the business feel real, to you and to buyers.
Weeks 09–12
Operations
Sourcing, pricing, systems and legal foundations, so the business can actually run.
Weeks 13–16
Go-to-market
Launch plan, first sales, and a strategy to keep momentum after graduation.
Plus community and mentorship throughout, you graduate with a validated, market-ready business, not just a workbook.
Who this is for
Wherever you're starting from, there's a seat for you.
Just an idea
The founder with a spark
You've got a business idea that won't leave you alone, but nothing written down yet. That's exactly where our ideation process starts.
Already tinkering
The founder testing the waters
You've made a few sales, built a prototype, or tested something on the side. Now you need the structure, strategy and support to turn early momentum into a business that can properly grow.
Ready to leap
The founder leaving employment
You're planning your exit from the 9-to-5 and want a proven 16-week path to a market-ready business before you go.
No idea yet?
You don't need one. Our ideation process is built for exactly that, and this is a serious, intensive programme, not a shortcut.
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
Only 30 places. Applications close 19 September.
£499
Full programme
26 Sept
Cohort begins
19 Sept
Applications close
30 places
First come, first served
INCLUDED WITH THE PROGRAMME
Every member gets the BFS Vendor & Manufacturer Directory
Sourcing is one of the hardest parts of building a product business. Every founder on the programme gets the BFS Vendor & Manufacturer Directory, featuring 700+ vetted suppliers and manufacturers across beauty, fashion, bags, jewellery, homeware and more. It is searchable in seconds, kept in the members area, and regularly updated as new manufacturers are added.
- 700+ vetted suppliers and manufacturers
- Search by product category and country
- Clickable supplier and storefront links
- Accessed securely through the BFS members area
- Regularly updated with new manufacturers
Proof, not promises
Our current cohort graduates 1 August at Chester Racecourse.
You could be next. Come and see what 16 weeks builds, then apply for the next cohort beginning 26 September.
Founder stories
Real founders. Real businesses.
QUESTIONS
Everything you need to know before you apply.
Do I need a business idea to apply?
No. Our ideation process is built for founders who don’t have one yet, as well as founders who are already tinkering or already trading.
What does the £499 cover?
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. Pay in full, or spread the cost with Klarna, Clearpay or PayPal Pay in 3. Either way, you’re enrolled as soon as your payment or plan is confirmed.
How much time does it take each week?
This is an intensive 16-week programme designed for founders who are ready to take their business seriously. We meet online three times a week, giving you almost 100 hours of focused support, structure, accountability and community. It is a real commitment, but that is exactly what makes the transformation possible. By the end, you will not just have ideas and notes, you will have the foundations of a business you can confidently take to market.
Is it online or in person?
Lessons are taught online inside the BFS community, 3 times a week. However we hold some in person events regularly which are not mandatory to attend but recommended.
Is this a pre-recorded course?
No. The BFS Incubator is taught live, online, by real people in real time. You are not just being handed videos to work through alone.
We meet three times a week across the 16-week programme, giving you almost 100 hours of live teaching, guidance, accountability and support. Every session is recorded, so if you cannot attend live, you can catch up with the replay and stay on track.
When does the next cohort start?
What's the refund policy?
You have a 14-day cooling-off period from the date you enrol, during which you can cancel for a refund of the programme fee. After 14 days, the fee is non-refundable.
The Vendor & Manufacturer Directory is a digital resource valued at £150 and included with the programme. If you access the Directory during the cooling-off period and then cancel, £150 will be deducted from your refund. Full details are available in our Cancellation & Refund Policy.
What is the Vendor & Manufacturer Directory?
Our searchable directory of 700+ vetted suppliers and manufacturers, included with the programme and regularly updated with new suppliers. You get access through the members area once you enrol.
Is this dropshipping or importation?
No. BFS is a real business-building programme, not dropshipping, China importation, or a get-rich-quick scheme.
Applications open
£499
One payment, or spread the cost with a supported payment plan. Your place is confirmed once your application and payment are complete.
16 weeks
Full programme
26 Sept 2026
Cohort start
30 places
First come first served
Included with your programme
Every enrolled founder receives access to the BFS Vendor & Manufacturer Directory, featuring 700+ vetted suppliers and manufacturers. Access is provided through the private members area once you enrol.
Ideation, branding, operations and go-to-market support
Community and mentorship throughout the programme
Built for idea-stage and early-stage Black founders
700+ supplier and manufacturer directory included
Black Founders Studio CIC
Community Interest Company registered in England and Wales | Company number 16874346