About Sophie Marie

Hey, I’m Sophie Marie Bennett
Multi-award-winning founder of Black Owned Birmingham, and a mentor for ambitious women ready to start, grow, or level up their business.

I’m a business consultant, speaker, strategist and the go-to woman for turning ideas into structure, strategy, and steady income.

My Story

I have 13+ years of experience in business development, digital strategy and community-led brand building. My expertise lies in start-up growth,  digital products, and turning ideas into scalable businesses. I’ve mentored and trained thousands of founders, creatives, and aspiring entrepreneurs both online and in-person. Over the years, I’ve led business workshops, spoken on national stages, and partnered with universities, organisations, and community groups to deliver accessible business education that actually makes sense. In 2025 alone, I was named BCU’s Alumna of the Year, was a judge for Lloyds Launchpad at the Black Business Show, and mentored hundreds across the UK.
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Recognition & Awards

  • CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION – The British Citizen Award – 2023
  • Best Business Excellence Award – Street Cred Awards 2023
  • Community Learning Award – Diversity Awards in Education 2023
  • HIGHLY COMMENDED – Entrepreneur of the Year – The Baton Awards – 2023
  • FINALIST – Social Enterprise of the Year – The Birmingham Awards – 2023
  • FINALIST – Charity of the Year – MBCC Awards – 2023
  • FINALIST – Community Champion of the Year – Birmingham Awards – 2023
  • WON – Excellence Award For Black-Owned Business Support – SME News – 2022
  • FINALIST – Community Activist Of the Year – Birmingham Awards – 2021
  • FINALIST – Social Activist Of The Year – MBCC Awards – 2021
  • WON – Most Inspiring Managing Director – SME News – 2022 Midland

Talks, Presentations and Podcasts

Topics: Black Entrepreneurship, Community, Underrepresented Founders, Start-up Business

  • Keynote Black Owned Birmingham Awards 2023
  • Greater Birmingham Black Business Conference – 2023
  • BCU Alumni Fest – 2023
  • BCU Alumni Podcast – 2023
  • BBC Radio West Midlands – Nikki Tapper – 2023
  • Greater Birmingham Black Business Conference – 2022
  • Black Excellence In Brum – 2022
  • Making waves: Young Voices – Tag Network – 2022
  • Keynote Black Owned Birmingham Awards 2022
  • Chopshop Podcast – 2022
  • Joseph Leckie Secondary School – 2022
  • The Ultimate Guide To Exhibiting At Shows – 2022
  • Black Girl Summer – 2021
  • Stephen Lawrence Day, Birmingham Library – 2021
  • BBC Midlands Today – 2021

Business Start Up Support

I support aspiring founders—especially women and underrepresented entrepreneurs—to turn their ideas into real, income-generating businesses. From planning to launch, I offer clear, practical guidance rooted in real experience.

Community Building & Impact

As founder of Black Owned Birmingham CIC, I’ve built one of the largest Black business networks in the West Midlands. I lead initiatives that champion local entrepreneurs and drive real economic change through community, partnerships and events.

Speaking & Mentorship

I deliver workshops, guest lectures and mentoring programmes across the UK, working with institutions like BCU and advisory boards like UN Women UK. I focus on demystifying business for new founders and making success more accessible.