eBay UK Offers Sneakerheads Startup Academy

How would you like to learn how to become a sneakerhead on eBay? eBay UK has teamed up with entrepreneur accelerator Hatch Enterprise to teach prospective sneakerheads how to sell on the marketplace.

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Sneaker Academy is a free 14-week program “helping young sneakerheads learn vital skills to turn their passion into an income-generating business.”

Aspiring entrepreneurs from under-served communities often face obstacles in entering the job market or starting their own business. This program will benefit them through ecommerce coaching, mentoring, and guidance offered by the Sneaker Academy.

By participating in this program, participants can access the opportunities available on eBay and use them to achieve success on the marketplace. The Sneaker Academy aims to empower these individuals and help them overcome the barriers that have frequently hindered progress.

“My career was kick-started thanks to having my own business on eBay, so being able to offer expert guidance and support to budding entrepreneurs, like I was, is a full circle way of giving back,” said Wahaaj Shabbir, eBay’s Head of Sneakers UK.

“Our mission when it comes to sneakers is to make them accessible to everyone, and this program aims to do the same for sellers – leveling the playing field for those passionate about the product but who face barriers to starting their own business.

“With a pair of sneakers sold every 5 seconds on the platform, the program provides the perfect solution for budding entrepreneurs with a passion for hyped silhouettes to create a career for themselves.

“Once Sneaker Academy participants complete the program they’ll continue to be offered ongoing support from both eBay and Hatch, alongside zero fees and free shop fronts for their reinvigorated eBay business in the first six months.”

And Brenda Kola, Sneaker Academy and Incubator Program Manager at Hatch added, “We’re excited to be working with eBay to deliver opportunities to young sneakerheads to supercharge their businesses.

“The Sneaker Academy program will help young people learn the skills to get the head start they need, thanks to our expert mentors, but also support budding entrepreneurs to turn their passion into a viable income-generating career.

“We look forward to welcoming the future generation down, and seeing them flourish.”

How To Apply for eBay UK Sneakerheads Program

Powered by eBay and Hatch, the Sneaker Academy is an entrepreneurship accelerator program that aims to assist young individuals in transforming their love for sneakers into their own online business.

The Sneaker Academy focuses on sneakerheads from under-served communities and seeks to eliminate the hurdles that young individuals encounter while establishing their own businesses.

This is achieved through a structured pathway of mentoring and guidance from expert peers, which aims to empower participants to succeed.

Applications for this program will be closing on the 10th of April. So, there are only 7 days left to join this free program. To participate in the program, participants must meet the following requirements:

• 18-30 years old and participants must be based in the UK*.
• Must be passionate about the sneaker culture and want to explore making a living from selling sneakers online.
• Should be interested in becoming their own boss and increasing their business knowledge, skills and confidence.
• Want to network with like-minded sneakerheads.

* If you are older than 30, please email programmes@hatchenterprise.org and they’ll get back to you on eligibility.

The program will run from the 17th of May to the 14th of August 2023. Sellers must be able to complete at least 75% of the workshops and events.

In addition to this program being free, eBay UK will also provide zero selling fees for six months, a free shopfront for six months, 1:1 support from dedicated eBay experts, and the opportunity to apply for cash grants for your business.

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the program website here.