eBay has awarded almost £30,000 to 17 businesses across the North West, made up of cash grants of up to £5,000 and support packages worth £1,200 each.
The eBay Business Roadshow invites small businesses across the country to apply for grants and packages to support with growing their online shops. In addition to the grants, winning small businesses benefit from a full year of 1-2-1 mentoring with an eBay ambassador to support their unique growth journey.
The Roadshow visited the North West to offer guidance and training on starting a business with eBay, sustainable basics for small businesses as well as access to the regional support available in the area.
Successful applicants in the North West sell a range of pre-loved items including vintage clothing, jewellery, high quality packaging, wallpaper and DIY products, as well as clutches for cars.
Nine roadshows have been held across the country so far with thousands of small businesses attending.
A panel of expert judges with representatives from the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Small Business Britain attended the roadshow event in Salford. They considered the entrepreneurs’ need for funds, how they plan to use the money, and whether the funds would have a positive social impact through sustainable business practices or support for the local community.
Oldham-based Hirst Footwear was one of the recipients of a grant worth £2,000. Its large brick-and-mortar Footwear and Workwear store is 40 years old, owned and run by Vicky Dean and her family, and is well known in its local area of Royton. The heritage brand’s online journey began on eBay 12 years ago, and since then Vicky has helped to scale the business, which has launched two of its own websites. The judges recognised her entrepreneurial vision and passion for making the customer service as smooth as possible.
Sarah Bryant, Director of Small Businesses at eBay UK, said: “Small businesses have been forced to navigate a never-ending list of challenges in the past couple of years. We’re committed to using the power of our platform in a way that supports our sellers and nurtures individual business growth, despite these challenges. And we acknowledge the power that funding and investing in these sellers has to foster such growth.
“We’re pleased to celebrate the 10 North West entrepreneurs that will receive grants and support packages to enable further business growth in the months to come. Each business has an exceptional story, and we look forward to witnessing how each business benefits from the added support. Congratulations to all our winners!”
Vicky Dean, from Hirst Footwear, said: “As for most small businesses in the region, we’ve overcome challenges over the last few years, and are proud to have reached a strong position in planning our future growth. With the continued support and funding from eBay, we’ll be able to broaden our online offering and drive our vision for development over the coming months. We look forward to building on the fantastic working relationship we already have with the platform.”
The next events will be held in Bristol on 12th January, Belfast on 2nd February and Cardiff on 2nd March 2023.
