As part of its ongoing mission to make business tools and opportunities accessible for all, Square sponsored a week of events designed to empower Black business owners and professionals. From inspiring discussions on inclusion and innovation to hands-on career networking opportunities.
Tech on the Menu: Building Future-Ready Food & Beverage Businesses
The highlight of Square’s involvement came at the UK Black Business Show, where Square hosted an engaging panel titled “Tech on the Menu: Building Future-Ready F&B Businesses.” The discussion brought together three inspiring figures shaping the UK’s food and culture landscape through technology:
- Dimeji Sadiq, Founder of Vegan Shack
- Atreka Cameron, Founder of All Nations Vegan
- Jackson Mclarty, Founder of Black Eats London, the UK’s first and only Black-owned restaurant platform
Moderated by Omotoye Makinde, Head of Inclusion & Diversity at Block, the conversation explored how technology is helping Black-owned businesses overcome barriers, improve visibility, and scale sustainably in a competitive industry.
The panel underscored how digital tools – from online ordering systems to smart marketing analytics – are transforming how food entrepreneurs reach new audiences and build brands rooted in both culture and innovation.
Empowering Talent and Building Inclusive Workplaces
Beyond the main stage, Square’s presence extended throughout UK Black Business Week with a series of events spotlighting inclusion, innovation, and career development.
- Chris Gorman, Head of Talent Acquisition at Block, joined the STEMS Career Fair panel on “How to Get Noticed in Competitive Job Markets,” sharing insights on career pathways in tech.
- Jenni Lewis-Ford, Global Inclusion & Diversity Lead, Partnerships, Programs & Practices, contributed to the discussion “Where Scale Meets Innovation: How Big Companies are Empowering Game-Changing Ideas.”
- Iana Vidal, Head of UK Public Policy, took part in “Your Future in Finance: Choosing the Right Path for Your Career Goals,” inspiring future leaders to explore meaningful opportunities in financial services.
We’re incredibly proud to be sponsoring UK Black Business Week for the third year in a row. At Square, inclusion isn’t just a value, it’s a business imperative. Events like UK Black Business Week remind us that when we champion representation and provide equitable access to tools, networks, and opportunities, we help power a more inclusive economy for all.’
Jenni Lewis-Ford → Global I&D Lead, Square
