Bumble has announced a partnership and grant programme with ‘Black Owned London’, a platform that helps users find and support black-owned small businesses in the UK capital.
The female-first social app has also teamed up with local personalities Reggie Yates, Zeze Millz, and Stephanie Yeboah for an accompanying promotional campaign.
Small businesses that are chosen to be part of the programme are going to receive £50,000. It will specifically focus on companies that were hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic in an effort to help them develop and grow in the future.
Reggie Yates said in a statement: “Creating welcoming and safe spaces for Black British people, both online and offline, is so important. Black-owned businesses have had a tough year and I’m proud to partner with Bumble to celebrate businesses from across the UK, which give the community spaces that empower Black British singles and couples to date.”
As part of the campaign, Bumble and Black Owned London have created the ‘Date Generator’. This suggests ideas and experiences from over 40 black-owned businesses for both in-person and virtual dates.
Head of Bumble UK and Ireland Naomi Walkland added: “Dating, especially over the last year, is hard enough without having to experience anxiety, prejudice and racism.
“At Bumble, we believe that both online and offline empowering spaces are critical to healthy relationships and we want to celebrate Black-owned businesses across the UK that provide these spaces.”
According to research conducted to support the campaign, 57% of Black British people say they’ve experienced racial bias while on a date and 36% have changed date plans because they were nervous about the venue.
Bumble first launched the #MyLoveIsBlackLove campaign last year in order to support more Black representation in mainstream media.
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