From Lost to Found: How the CCI Directory Supercharged My Freelance Journey

Heart of the City | 26 March 2025 | News
From Lost to Found: How the CCI Directory Supercharged My Freelance Journey

Did you know that while 16% of UK small businesses are owned by ethnic minorities, a staggering 99% of corporate spending bypasses them? At the same time, businesses are actively searching for creatives who can connect with London’s diverse audience – 40% of whom come from ethnic minority backgrounds. Yet, despite this demand, many freelancers still struggle to land those career-defining gigs. Sound familiar?

Enter the Creative and Cultural Industries (CCI) Freelancer Directory – a game-changer within Minority Business Matters (MBM) – a business support initiative dedicated to helping ethnic minority businesses and creative freelancers in London connect with leading brands and the public sector. The CCI Directory is a key pillar of this mission, designed specifically to elevate ethnic minority creative freelancers.

Since its launch in September 2024, the CCI Directory has gained momentum, attracting 58 ethnically diverse freelancers and micro businesses to date.

The CCI Directory offers a platform for freelancers to showcase their work, get discovered by clients, and gain access to exclusive events featuring networking opportunities, panel discussions, and expert insights. Sounds good?

To see just how powerful the CCI Directory can be, we spoke to Ola Zeineddine, a London-based graphic designer with a passion for building impactful solutions. Here’s how joining the directory transformed her freelance career.

What’s it like as a creative freelancer in London?

“Without a network, it’s like trying to navigate the Tube blindfolded! You’re lost, everyone else seems to know exactly where they’re going, while you’re standing there, overwhelmed, trying to figure out if you’re even on the right train. That was me, until I stumbled upon the CCI Directory” says Ola.

“Suddenly, it wasn’t just about surviving; it was about thriving.”

Ola Zeineddine

Ola Zeineddine, London-based graphic designer 

How did you find the vibe of the MBM events?

“They were packed with game-changing insights such as how to win contracts, dodge rookie mistakes, protect your work, and navigate the UK’s micro-business tendering maze. Definitely not your usual stuffy networking. Think insightful chats, surprisingly fun meetups (no awkward silences!), and conversations that somehow started with elevator pitches and ended with

What’s the best bit of joining the CCI Directory?

“The people. Meeting remarkable minority-owned businesses and creative freelancers who are driving initiatives to meet niche needs – needs this city desperately required – was truly inspiring. As a collective minority, we all connected with these challenges and aspirations. Above all, hearing from fellow minority creatives who have been through it all made me realise I wasn’t figuring this out alone.

The result? Three new friends, two solid contracts, and a legit London freelancing survival guide.”

”I’d like to give a huge thanks to Heart of the City and MSDUK for making the CCI Directory happen. They've built something real – a place for genuine connections, mentorship, and actual work.

Ola ZeineddineGraphic Designer

London Creatives: Turn Your Unique Story into Your Superpower.

What’s MBM’s mission?

  1. To empower and support London’s ethnic minorities – businesses and freelancers alike. We aim to:
  2. Improve accessibility: Making it easier for clients to find diverse creative talent.
  3. Empower freelancers: Providing you with more business opportunities.

Why the CCI Directory matter?

  1. It’s curated for diversity, meaning clients looking for your unique perspective will find you, not just another generic profile.
  2. It allows for real-world networking, expert panels, and insider info on pitching, procurement, and more.
  3. Connect with fellow creatives and minority-owned businesses for collaboration.
  4. Benefit from direct access to 120+ leading organisations and public sector gigs.

What’s in it for you?

  1. Get seen by clients who value diverse perspectives.
  2. Connect with major industry players.
  3. Access exclusive training on procurement, business acumen, and more.
  4. Enjoy engaging events and genuine connections.
  5. Grow your business by building valuable partnerships and collaborations.

The CCI Directory is 100% for you if:

  1. You’re a creative freelancer from an ethnic minority background.
  2. You’re a registered freelancer (UTR).
  3. You’re London-based.
  4. You work in the creative or cultural industries.

 

Ready to turn your unique story into your superpower?

Join the MBM community by visiting www.MinorityBusinessMatters.com and create something amazing!

MBM is a partnership between Heart of the City and MSDUK and is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

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