Black UK women are more likely than other communities to start a side hustle or business according to new research1 commissioned by eBay UK to mark the launch of Black in Bloom, a new shopping destination on its site where consumers can buy from Black owned businesses.
The hard work paradox
While 38% of all UK adults say coping with the cost of living is the top reason to start a side hustle or business, Black entrepreneurs are more likely than other communities to spend more hours working on their businesses and almost 1 in 5 (18%) Black adults compared to 7% non-Black adults are studying alongside their day jobs and side hustles. In addition, Black women entrepreneurs are more likely than their counterparts to be balancing community work (17% vs 4%) with their side hustle or business.
Despite their efforts, Black business owners and side hustlers take home a smaller percentage of their income from their side hustles or businesses compared to all other groups. Less than 1 in 5 (18%) say they make 50% or more of their weekly wage from their side hustle or business, compared to more than 1 in 4 (26%) non-Black UK adults.
Black in Bloom
eBay UK’s Black in Bloom hub features shops created by Black women entrepreneurs who are part of theBlack Girl Fest (BGF) x eBay Seller Academy Programme which supports founders with tools, skills and knowledge to sell effectively on the marketplace. Programme participants also have the opportunity to pitch for funding to support their business growth, and the aim is to empower close to 200 Black women-led e-commerce businesses this year. The programme is part of eBay’s commitment to support entrepreneurs from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Black Girl Fest CEO Nicole Crentsil says: “The research echoes the experiences we hear from the founders taking part in the Seller Programme and that’s why our partnership with eBay is important - the Seller Programme centres Black women’s passion and creativity for entrepreneurship in a way that equips them with the tools to grow their businesses.”
Socially conscious shoppers
With 1 in 10 (10%) saying they don’t buy from Black owned businesses because they don’t know where to find them, there is a clear need to make it easier for socially conscious buyers to shop from Black owned businesses.
Murray Lambell, General Manager of eBay UK says: “We commissioned this research because we want to shine a light on the depth of inequity Black entrepreneurs and, most notably Black women, face as they look to grow their businesses. At eBay we believe we have a role to play in helping to overcome some of these challenges by helping founders to start and scale their business.”
From Odyssey Box, a plant-based curly and afro hair online store and subscription box, to Garm Manager who sell vintage and modern pre-loved clothing, the Black in Bloom hub will help to link customers with graduates of the Seller Academy Programme.
Vera-Jayne Nwajiaku Founder NonyelumVee gift shop says: “Starting a business with a family and working in IT has been a journey. Juggling school runs, and packing boxes late at night alongside my day job has been challenging but worthwhile.
I love stationery and beauty so I’m really excited that NonyelumVee Gift Shop will be in the Black in Bloom hub. This is a great opportunity to share my passion on a larger scale and use the e-commerce techniques I’ve learnt through the Seller Academy.”
The Black in Bloom hub is now live. For more information and to shop Black owned products visit here.
Notes to editors
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Research was conducted by Censuswide, between 30th May and 6th June 2022, which asked a total of from a nationally representative sample size of 2,093 UK adults with a minimum of 40% from the black community and 501 of which are women from the black community. Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles.
About the Black in Bloom hub
Black in Bloom is a new hub on eBay featuring shops curated by Black women entrepreneurs who have completed the Black Girl Fest (BGF) x eBay Seller Academy Programme. The hub is accessed here
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 organisations 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.
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, progressive conversations and creative opportunities.www.blackgirlfest.com
About the BGF x eBay Seller Academy Programme
The BFG 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 https://www.blackgirlfest.com/seller-academy.