Digital payments leader and the exclusive ‘Payments Technology Partner’ of FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023, Visa, has launched a new campaign to celebrate the power of ‘support squads’ in helping elite female footballers and entrepreneurs achieve their professional goals, both on and off the pitch.
New research commissioned by Visa found that female small business leaders who have a very strong ‘support squad’ (a group of friends, family or colleagues) are almost twice as likely (67 per cent) to report business revenue growth in the last year than those who felt their ‘squad’ is not strong at all (32 per cent).
Meanwhile, 91 per cent of women small business leaders surveyed in the UK said their support network is key to achieving their professional goals, with 78 per cent saying their business wouldn’t be where it is today without one.
Highly decorated England international and Chelsea midfielder Fran Kirby is taking part in the Celebrating Squad Goals campaign to highlight the importance of support networks in life, in business and on the pitch.
“My own support network has been instrumental in my journey, celebrating my successes and picking me up during the tough times, such as my current injury,” Kirby explained when commenting on the initiative.
“It’s so rewarding to see the women’s game going from strength to strength and be that powerful platform for promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls to achieve their dreams. That’s why I’m partnering with Visa to put ‘support squads’ at the heart of this celebration of women on the world stage.”
Visa’s $500,000 funding reward for female-owned small businesses
Trustworthiness (51 per cent), honesty (42 per cent) and positivity (40 per cent) emerged as the three top attributes female business leaders look for when building their ‘support squad’, the Visa research reveals. Diversity of thought is also key, with 78 per cent of women business leaders saying that they value different perspectives and viewpoints when it comes to achieving their professional goals.
Visa’s new Celebrating Squad Goals campaign underscores its commitment to elevating women while driving excellence, equality and inclusion across the whole economy. As part of this, Visa is putting small business owners centre-stage, highlighting the important role they play in powering our economies.
Supporting this, Visa will use its sponsorship of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Player of the Match Award to recognise women-owned small businesses. Visa will announce the winners at the athlete trophy presentation across 64 matches awarded with $500,000 in total grant funding.
Mandy Lamb, managing director in the UK and Ireland at Visa, discussed the payment leader’s previous and continuing efforts in the space: “When it comes to women’s football, Visa has been in it for the long game, championing women every step of the way – during their playing career and in life afterwards.
“As our research shows, support networks are really the unsung heroes of the economy and for this reason, we’re urging everyone to join us in putting the individuals that help them thrive in the spotlight.
“We at Visa are determined to grow the sport at all levels, driving acceptance, increasing visibility, and future-proofing the women’s game, and by celebrating squad goals, we hope to elevate their success in business, sport and life.”
