Your Story Matters.
Be Part of the Research.
A study exploring the experiences of Black women entrepreneurs in the south of England — amplifying your voice to shape more inclusive policies and support systems.
A study exploring the experiences of Black women entrepreneurs in the south of England — amplifying your voice to shape more inclusive policies and support systems.
This research is part of a doctoral thesis at the University of Hertfordshire, conducted by Carlene Nisbett. The study explores and amplifies the voices of Black women entrepreneurs in the south of England — understanding the unique challenges they face and the remarkable strategies they use to navigate them.
While ethnic minority entrepreneurship is rising, Black women remain significantly underrepresented, and their experiences are largely absent from UK policy and academic research. This study aims to change that — and your voice is at the heart of it.
To move beyond existing research and create a nuanced picture of what it is truly like to be a Black woman in business today.
Your lived experience is invaluable. By participating, you help ensure that the strategies of Black women entrepreneurs are seen and understood.
Begin with a free 15-minute introductory call on Google Meet. If we're a good fit, Carlene will schedule a one-to-two hour research interview via Microsoft Teams, at a time that suits you.
All identifying information is removed from transcripts. Pseudonyms are used throughout. Data is held securely on University of Hertfordshire systems.
I am hoping to speak with approximately 10–20 entrepreneurs. To participate, you should meet all of the following criteria. Click any item to read more detail.
This includes anyone who identifies as Black — whether of African, Caribbean, or mixed heritage (for example, mixed Black British, Afro-Caribbean, or Black African). The study centres on the lived experiences of those who hold a Black identity.
You were either born in the United Kingdom, or you came to the UK and were part of the secondary education system here — meaning you have lived in the UK from approximately age 11 to the present.
All participants must be aged 18 or over at the time of interview.
For the purposes and scope of this study, I am looking to speak with women who were born biologically female. This focus reflects the specific gendered barriers and experiences this research aims to explore.
You are the owner, or current co-owner, of a business that you started yourself (not acquired or bought). The business must have been running for a minimum of two years. Both sole traders and limited companies are welcome. Co-ownership with another person is absolutely fine.
Your business operates primarily in the south of England. This includes London, the South East, South West, East of England, and surrounding regions.
The interview takes approximately one to two hours and is conducted via Microsoft Teams. With your consent, the session will be audio recorded for transcription purposes only. Please note: you may be contacted briefly after the interview for minor clarifications — this is not a second full interview, simply a short "member checking" step to ensure accuracy.
If you're unsure whether you meet the criteria, or you'd like to ask a question before committing, I'm happy to help.
Book a free 15-minute introductory call via Calendly — we'll meet on Google Meet and it's completely no-pressure. You can also email me any time.
Book an Introductory Call →Participation is entirely voluntary and straightforward. Here is what to expect from start to finish.
Download and carefully read the Participant Information Sheet. It explains everything about the study, your rights, and how your data will be used.
Use the calendar on this page to book a free 15-minute introductory call with Carlene on Google Meet. This is a relaxed, no-commitment conversation to confirm your eligibility and answer any questions you have. Or email Carlene if you prefer.
Once you are confirmed as a good fit, download the Consent Form, complete it, and return it to Carlene at c.v.nisbett@herts.ac.uk. Your signed consent must be received before the main interview takes place.
Carlene will schedule your main research interview via Microsoft Teams at a time that suits you. The interview takes approximately one to two hours and explores your entrepreneurial journey in your own words.
Carlene may make brief contact after the interview to clarify a point or share emerging themes — known as "member checking." This is entirely optional and not another full interview.
The interview will cover personal and sometimes sensitive topics, including your experiences of racism, sexism, and other business challenges. It is entirely normal if these prompt strong feelings.
You can choose to skip any question, ask for a break, or end the interview at any time — no explanation needed. Your wellbeing is always the priority.
Please download and read these documents before your research interview. Both are required as part of the ethical approval process for this study.
A full explanation of the research, your rights, how your data will be used, and what to expect throughout the process. Please read this carefully before signing the consent form.
Download PDFOnce you have attended your introductory call and are confirmed as a participant, please complete and return your signed Consent Form to Carlene by email before your interview takes place.
Download PDFReturn your completed consent form to: c.v.nisbett@herts.ac.uk
Ready to take part? Click below to confirm your eligibility and book your free 15-minute introductory call with Carlene on Google Meet. The process takes just a minute — no commitment required.
If Carlene confirms you're a great fit, she will arrange your main research interview separately via Microsoft Teams.
15-min introductory call via Google Meet · Main interview (if confirmed) via Microsoft Teams
Prefer to reach out first?
This research has been reviewed and approved by the University of Hertfordshire's SSAH Ethics Committee, ensuring it meets the university's high ethical standards for research involving human participants (UPR RE01).
Doctoral Researcher
Hertfordshire Business School
University of Hertfordshire
If you have any questions about the study or would like to speak with a member of the supervisory team, please contact either of the supervisors below.
If any topics discussed in the interview bring up difficult feelings, the following organisations offer free and confidential support from professionals who understand your experiences.