London, UK, Tuesday, 1 February 2022: eBay UK is today announcing a partnership with Black Girl Fest (BGF) to create more equitable opportunities for Black women ecommerce sellers and to better understand the needs of Black entrepreneurs in the UK.
eBay UK data shows that searches for 'Black business' are up by 40% compared to the same period this time last year, yet Black business owners, especially Black women founders, typically find it harder to access the right support, visibility and funding required to grow their businesses. In addition to this, multi-ethnic workers are almost four times more likely than white respondents to want to start a business, with the entrepreneurial approach being the highest among Black respondents.
With the rising number of Black ecommerce founders particularly in the hair, beauty and fashion industries, eBay UK, with a customer base of over 20 million, has a crucial role to play in creating more equity for Black-owned ecommerce businesses.
The year-long partnership will see eBay UK support the BGF Founders Club with a training programme to equip its product-focused entrepreneurs with the right tools, skills and knowledge to sell effectively on eBay (the BGF x eBay Seller Academy Programme). eBay is investing in the BGF programme through training, fee reduction and vital grants, giving programme participants the opportunity to pitch for funding to support their business growth and development.
Following a successful pilot, eBay and BGF are now looking ahead to the second round of the programme, which will start this Spring. The aim is to empower more than 100 Black women-led e-commerce businesses through the training programme this year.
eBay UK General Manager, Murray Lambell said: “It is clear that eBay UK can do more to drive equity for Black business owners across the UK. We are committed to challenging the exclusion of Black communities from economic opportunity by equipping them with the tools and support needed to make a living by trading on eBay.
“Real change does not happen overnight and our partnership with BGF is an exciting step on the journey to do better and drive inclusive entrepreneurship.”
BGF, which originally launched as a festival, has evolved into a platform dedicated to providing Black women, girls and non-binary people with the right access, learning and development to create opportunities for them to succeed.
Black Girl Fest CEO Nicole Crentsil said: “eBay wants to be a part of building a more inclusive, equitable and ultimately more sustainable economy and the partnership with Black Girl Fest is focused on doing exactly that.
“We can make an impact on the unbalanced startup ecosystem by equipping Black women founders with the tools, funding and access to progress. Our network of entrepreneurs is in need of support to overcome the many barriers they face including lower access to capital, skills development and more which eBay has the ability to support. Its technical experience in growing an ecommerce business is invaluable to our network of founders selling their products.”
Recent graduate from the programme, Lola Atobele from Black Chibis that sells toys and collectables said: “This programme was way more than what I expected. I’ve always had an eBay account but to finally be able to sell my products because of the programme was very exciting. The 1-to 1 support was the best part as I was shown different tips and tricks. Now I feel like I know more than people who have been selling on eBay for years.”
Those interested in being part of the BGF x eBay Seller Academy programme can find out more and apply www.blackgirlfest.com/seller-academy
This partnership follows the launch of eBay for Change, which supports the growth of social enterprises; ensuring eBay customers can buy desirable products from businesses that do good and create change with their profits.
-ENDS-
Note to editors
- eBay search data YoY increase 1 Sep 2021 - 21 Jan 2022 vs 1 Sep 2020 - 21 Jan 20211.
- The Black Pound Report, 2021
For more information about the partnership, Black Girl Fest, case studies, images or Interviews please contact: antonia.fagbohun@coldr.london | 0756 858 1693
About eBay
eBay Inc. (Nasdaq: EBAY) is a global commerce leader that connects millions of buyers and sellers in more than 190 markets around the world. We exist to enable economic opportunity for individuals, entrepreneurs, businesses and organizations of all sizes. Founded in 1995 in San Jose, California, eBay is one of the world's largest and most vibrant marketplaces for discovering great value and unique selection. www.ebayinc.com
About Black Girl Fest
Founded in 2017, Black Girl Fest (BGF) is a festival and platform designed for Black women, girls and non-binary people. BGF’s aim is to inspire, empower and equip them with the tools to flourish, with focus on creating access, learning and development via inspiring events, progessive conversations and creative opportunities. www.blackgirlfest.com
About the BGF x eBay Seller Academy Programme
The BGF x eBay Seller Academy Programme will provide hands-on training from eBay experts and support ambitious founders who are eager to learn more about ecommerce, build confidence, sell and grow on eBay. The programme involves a training model to equip product-based Black women entrepreneurs with the ability to develop their ecommerce skills to grow their businesses. The aim is to onboard at least 100 Black women-led e-commerce businesses through the training programme this year and scale next year, with the help of in-built analysis and learnings along the way to ensure it is tailored and serves the Black community. Funding is also available for programme participants that pitch for micro-grants to support them and their businesses.
Black women ecommerce founders who want more info and to apply to take part in the programme should visit www.blackgirlfest.com/seller-academy