Black History Month Business, Council & Community Event

Join WACA (Watford African Caribbean Association) at the House of Amma for a special Black History Month gathering celebrating local enterprise, creativity, and community.

Whether you're a small business owner looking to grow, a budding entrepreneur exploring new opportunities, a local resident keen to discover what's happening in your town, or a shopper who wants to support independent and black-owned businesses, this event is for you.

Bringing together local businesses, creatives, residents, and community leaders, this is an opportunity to connect in person, exchange ideas, discover new opportunities and celebrate the people and places that help our community thrive. So please join us to lend them your support.

What to Expect on the Night

Practical insights from Watford Borough Council

Hear from Rosie Ward, Economic Development Team for Watford Borough Council, to learn about how the Council engages with and supports local businesses, particularly small and start-up businesses, and also touch on what’s happening with the Town Hall quarter and innovation spaces that will open in the Town Hall next year.

Whether you're considering your first market stall, looking for a space to grow your business, or exploring new ways to work with the Council, this is an opportunity to learn more and ask questions.

Parents and grandparents, bring your Gen Zs and Generation Alphas along.

The story behind the House of Amma

Hear from Amma Gyan about the inspiration behind the House of Amma, its purpose as a space for businesses and artists, and the people and enterprises that make it special.

Discover how creativity, determination, and a willingness to think differently can open up new possibilities for entrepreneurship and high-street trading.

Also find out about the opportunity to use their co-working spaces and how you can find an outlet for both your creativity and business ideas.

Live Music

We are also delighted to welcome Guest Artist Yaneise Romas who will be performing live on the night. She has an incredible voice, so this is a rare opportunity to listen to her in such a personal setting.

Community, Culture, and Connection

Meet fellow residents, entrepreneurs, creatives, and local professionals in a welcoming, Black-owned and run space. Build new relationships, discover local talent, and celebrate the contributions of small businesses to our local economy and community.

There is also an opportunity to browse and purchase products from local businesses showcasing their work on the evening, so come ready to discover something new and support independent enterprises. (I’ve got my eye on the red handmade bag!)

Freshly cooked finger food will be provided by Ebun at Thermomix.

Who should attend?

Small business owners and start-ups looking for practical advice, connections, and opportunities to grow.

Aspiring entrepreneurs curious about starting a business, trading in Watford market, or exploring new spaces.

Local residents and shoppers who want to discover independent businesses and support the local economy.

Artists, creatives, and makers interested in connecting with others and showcasing their work, and finding ways to have a presence in our town without having to go it alone.

Community-minded professionals who want to celebrate Black History Month and strengthen local connections.

You don't need to own a business to attend. If you're interested in your community, local culture, entrepreneurship, or simply meeting new people, you'll be very welcome. We also look forward to spending the evening with WACA members and seeing you outside of Zoom.

Come for the connections. Leave with new ideas.

As part of WACA's Black History Month 2026 celebrations, this gathering is about more than networking. It's about bringing people together, making opportunities more accessible, celebrating Black entrepreneurship, and encouraging more of us to discover, connect with, and support the talent on our doorstep.

Together we can most definitely achieve more, so no matter your race, age, or background, we very much look forward to seeing you on Friday, 30th October. The main event, talks, and live music are from 6pm-8pm, and the artisans and business owners in residence will be there all day from 9am, during the Harlequin’s regular opening hours so pay the House of Amma a visit, and browse the art exhibition, if you're also in town during the day.

The House of Amma is situated on the level top of the escalators, just above TKMaxx.

Price: Free (however, do bring some spending money because you will be able to purchase from the entrepreneurs on the night).

There is an opportunity for an entrepreneur to have a free stand for the day, so if that's of interest, do get in touch.