About us
We connect Black-owned businesses with customers
Easily showcase your services, connect with customers and grow your business.
Our mission and vision
Building the future we want
Our mission is to circulate the Black pound within our community by connecting Black-owned businesses with consumers that want to support them so that we can close the racial wealth gap.
We envision a world where the racial wealth gap no longer exists. Where Black-owned businesses prosper and set the foundation for building economic strength and generational wealth within our community.
Our values
What we stand for
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Excellence
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We commit to delivering exceptional service and quality in all aspects of our business. We understand that our customers expect excellence and we take pride in meeting and surpassing these expectations.
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Strength in unity
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We operate as a team, valuing each other’s contributions while focusing on our collective goals. Individual achievements are celebrated but not at the cost of team dynamics. Together, we strive to fulfil our commitments to our customers and community.
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Equity over equality
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We understand that everyone has unique needs and starting points. We provide the specific support each person needs to thrive, acknowledging and addressing the diverse challenges that they face.
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Authentic leadership
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We believe that true leadership is about action and influence, not just titles. We lead by example, valuing integrity and authenticity as much as competence. Our leaders are active role models, demonstrating the values we cherish.
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Think simplicity
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We believe in making things easier for our customers, focusing on practical and effective solutions. Simplicity for us means being direct, clear and user-friendly. Our approach is straightforward and efficient, avoiding unnecessary complexities.
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Community responsibility
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We are dedicated to making a positive impact in our community. We strive to be a force for positive change, today and for future generations.
Our story
How it all started
2008
Education and early career; a resilient beginning
The story of BXB begins with our founder, Lisimba, who graduated from The University of Birmingham with a degree in Computer Science and Software Engineering. In the face of the 2008 financial crisis and limited job prospects, he turned to personal projects to master web development and build an impressive online portfolio that paved the way for future opportunities.
2010
Breaking into the tech industry
Lisimba’s talents were recognised when he secured a contract role with a world-leading medical journal to develop their cross-platform mobile app. This was a turning point, showcasing his ability to turn challenges into triumphs.
2012
Launching a tech venture
Driven by a passion for technology and entrepreneurship, Lisimba launched his own business, focusing on web and mobile app development. His venture served clients across diverse sectors, from social networking to video analytics.
2016
Stepping into leadership and gaining diverse experience
Transitioning to a permanent role at a fintech company providing loans to small businesses, Lisimba spent eight years climbing the ranks from a software engineer to an engineering manager. This period was instrumental in honing his leadership skills and understanding of diverse business operations.
2022
Addressing a personal and community need
The frequent relocations Lisimba faced brought to light the difficulties in finding businesses catering to black hair care needs. This personal challenge led to the creation of a specialised directory, providing a much-needed resource for the black community.
2023
Pivoting to leverage experience and connections
Realising the potential to make a broader impact, Lisimba pivoted to a black-owned business directory. This move was driven by his extensive experience, existing connections, and recognising a demand among clients for such businesses.
Now
Empowering the Black business community with tech
BXB is more than a directory; it’s a powerful force for social change, reflecting Lisimba’s journey and dedication to innovation. Built on a strong tech foundation, we’ve developed a platform that supports and connects Black-owned businesses. Our platform is a reflection of our commitment to circulate the Black pound within our community by connecting Black-owned businesses with consumers that want to support them so that we can close the racial wealth gap.
Our team
Meet the team
We are a team of Black innovators that leverage our expertise and networks to build online platforms that circulate the Black pound within our community.
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Lisimba Gilkes
Founder
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Alfred Mazimbe
Engineering
Testimonials
What our customers are saying
“Since joining BXB, our customer base has grown significantly. It's amazing to be a part of a platform that not only promotes our business but also stands for something more.”
“I love how BXB brings together so many diverse businesses. It's more than just a directory; it's a community.”
Frequently asked questions
No, you can list your business without a website. Instead, you could link to your social media page. However, having a website could be beneficial for your business. See our guide on how a website could be beneficial for your business.
Your business will be listed on our black-owned business directory and across our social media network. Basically, in front of a growing community that wants to support businesses like yours.
You can list your business for free and benefit from increased exposure. We also offer paid subscription plans that can help you better understand your customers. See how pricing plans for more details.
Listing your business is easy. See our getting started guide on how to do this. You can also email us at support@bxbapp.com and we can help with any challenges you may come across.
We focus on black-owned businesses to support economic empowerment within the black community and address the systemic barriers to success that these businesses often face. Our focus on black-owned business is not about exclusion but about levelling the playing field and providing opportunities for visibility and growth.
Our vision is a world where the racial wealth gap no longer exists and where Black-owned businesses prosper and set the foundation for building economic strength and generational wealth in our community. As such, there are strict criteria in terms of what businesses can be listed on our platform, and these should either be at least 50% black-owned or operated.
