Understanding the Experiences of
Black Women Entrepreneurs
This research is part of a doctoral thesis at the University of Hertfordshire, conducted by Carlene Nisbett-McBlack. 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.
Create Authentic Understanding
To move beyond existing research and create a nuanced picture of what it is truly like to be a Black woman in business today.
Bridge a Critical Gap
Your lived experience is invaluable. By participating, you help ensure that the strategies of Black women entrepreneurs are seen and understood.
Intro Call, Then Interview
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.
Fully Confidential
All identifying information is removed from transcripts. Pseudonyms are used throughout. Data is held securely on University of Hertfordshire systems.
Are You Eligible to Take Part?
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.
01
You identify as Black
African, Caribbean, or mixed heritage
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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.
02
You are British
Born in the UK, or educated here from age ~11
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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.
03
You are over 18 years old
Participants must be adults
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All participants must be aged 18 or over at the time of interview.
04
You were born a woman
Biological sex at birth
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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.
05
You own and actively run your own business
Started by you, running for at least 2 years
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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.
06
Your business is based in the south of England
Including London and surrounding regions
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Your business operates primarily in the south of England. This includes London, the South East, South West, East of England, and surrounding regions.
07
You are willing to be interviewed & audio recorded
Via Microsoft Teams, with your permission
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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.
Book a Free Introductory Call
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 →Email me a question →
What Happens If You Take Part?
Participation is entirely voluntary and straightforward. Here is what to expect from start to finish.
Read the Information
Download and carefully read the Participant Information Sheet. It explains everything about the study, your rights, and how your data will be used.
Book Your Introductory Call
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.
Return Your Consent Form
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.
Attend Your Interview
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.
Optional Follow-Up
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.
You Are Always in Control
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.
Everything You Need to Know
Please download and read these documents before your research interview. Both are required as part of the ethical approval process for this study.
Participant Information Sheet
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 PDFConsent Form
Once 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
Book Your Introductory Call
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?
Approved & Regulated
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).
- Protocol Number
- 1609 ST SSAH 2026
- Approving Committee
- Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities (SSAH) Ethics Committee with Delegated Authority
- Institution
- University of Hertfordshire
- Principal Researcher
- Carlene Nisbett-McBlack — Doctoral Researcher, Hertfordshire Business School
- Governing Regulation
- University Policy and Regulations for Research Ethics (UPR RE01)
Contact
Carlene Nisbett-McBlack
Doctoral Researcher
Hertfordshire Business School
University of Hertfordshire
LinkedIn Profile
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.
Support Services
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.