England Footballer Saka & Fiverr Support Diverse Entrepreneurs

August 18, 2023 

England and Arsenal football star, Bukayo Saka and freelance work platform, Fiverr, have announced the next phase of their partnership to level the playing field for diverse community impact focused entrepreneurs. The duo has launched an incubator program, Ideatorr, with creative agency Youth Beyond Borders (YBB) to provide young UK entrepreneurs with skills and networks to take their business to the next level. 

Saka was brought up in Islington – one of London’s most diverse boroughs and the 4th highest region for income deprivation. He has been subject to racism on and off the pitch and therefore works to inspire a more equal playing field for all. Inspired by his commitment to supporting his community, the Ideatorr program will target young entrepreneurs driving community impact, helping them bring their business dreams to life. 

“Supporting young people to launch their business ideas and make a positive change in their communities has the potential to make a huge impact. I’m excited to be partnering with Fiverr to encourage more people to bridge the gap between their great ideas and give them the helping hand in bringing them to life,” said Saka. 

According to the British Business Bank, there are persistent disparities in outcomes for business owners from ethnic minority backgrounds. Only half of Black entrepreneurs meet their non-financial aims compared to 70% of White entrepreneurs. And 38% of Asian and other ethnic minority business owners and 28% of Black business owners report making no profit vs 16% of White business owners.

Access to finance, deprivation, education and underrepresentation in senior workforce positions partially explain these disparities. However, systemic disadvantage appears to play a role. Female entrepreneurs from ethnic minority backgrounds experience the biggest disparities with 37% of Black female business owners and 36% of female business owners from Asian and other ethnic minority backgrounds report no profit made last year. Additionally, those with lower household incomes are less able to invest in their ideas and have fewer resources to develop their business.

Saka and Fiverr teamed up last year to amplify equality, inclusion and diversity in the business sector. The first phase of the partnership included a video featuring the footballer alongside testimonials from several UK business owners who have utilized Fiverr to successfully make their business become a reality. The newly launched Ideatorr mentor program will equip young and motivated entrepreneurs with the necessary skills, resources and guidance to see their business visions through. 

The program is hosted by YBB, which works to engage young people to create a more sustainable and inclusive society. The agency’s profits go towards the work of Football Beyond Borders, which uses the power of football to foster inclusion and provide opportunities for young people. Instruction will be facilitated by YBB facilitators, mentors and guest speakers. 

The program is currently accepting UK-based applicants who have a purpose-driven business concept that they require support and direction to pursue. Up to 12 young people aged between 18-25 will be selected to participate in the eight-week incubator program, which includes modules covering understanding the market, communications and marketing, how to pitch and much more. Selected individuals will also receive £1,500 worth of Fiverr credits, giving them access to some of the world’s best freelance talent.

“People have so many great ideas every day and they often don’t know what the next steps are to bring that idea to life. The mentor program will help bring those ideas to life. It’s important that the next generation is given a platform... [Fiverr] Not only see the talent before the background of the person but they have the passion and expertise to really help the younger generation from all backgrounds make their dreams and ambitions become a reality,” said Saka. 

Fiverr’s mission is to revolutionize how the world works together. The platform creates opportunities for anyone to grow their own business, brand or dreams regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or socioeconomic background.

Sources: fiverr. & Sport Industry Group