Lagos, Nigeria – In a groundbreaking move to support women entrepreneurs, Visa, the Worldwide FIFA Women’s Football Partner, has unveiled a remarkable $500,000 grant for women-owned small businesses (WSMB) during the highly anticipated FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™. This initiative marks the first-ever extension of the prestigious Visa Player of the Match award to elevate and empower women in business across the 64 matches and potentially 32 qualifying countries.
Recognizing the importance of action and resources in achieving equity, Andrew Uaboi, Vice President and Head of Visa West Africa, expressed his excitement about utilizing the global stage of women’s sports to drive meaningful change. “We are thrilled to leverage the immense platform of the FIFA Women’s World Cup to honor outstanding athletes while uplifting a business in the home country of each game’s Player of the Match,” Uaboi stated.
Nigeria, a leading African nation with a significant number of female entrepreneurs, holds particular significance in this initiative. The aim is not only to positively impact society but also to advance the growth of women-owned small businesses in the region, inspiring young girls to dream big and pursue their passion for the beautiful game.
The Visa Player of the Match trophy, awarded to the most outstanding performer as voted by fans after each of the 64 matches, will now contribute to the elevation of women in business as well. Viewers at home during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ will have the opportunity to celebrate the athletes on the field while simultaneously supporting women entrepreneurs.
As the tournament progresses, Visa will bestow 64 grants to women small businesses from the same country as the national team represented by the winning footballer. Whether the player hails from a first-time entrant like Panama or is a veteran from the defending champion U.S. team, a woman small business owner in the Player of the Match country will receive a grant to support her own goals. The grants will range in value from $5,000 for the first-round matches to $50,000 for the final. The winning small businesses will be announced live during the trophy presentation.
This remarkable initiative is a testament to Visa’s long-term commitment to providing women entrepreneurs with essential financial resources and fostering inclusion in the global economy. A survey conducted by Wakefield Research for Visa revealed that 82 percent of WSMB owners agree that participation in sports positively impacts a person’s success in business. Sports enable business leaders to develop vital skills such as strategic thinking, teamwork, communication, and leadership.
Visa has been a steadfast advocate for women’s football for over 15 years, championing equity, inclusion, and meaningful connections with athletes, fans, and communities worldwide. As the first FIFA Women’s Football Partner and the initial standalone sponsor of UEFA Women’s Football, Visa continues to empower women within its organization and extend support through its brand. They also sponsor national teams, including the U.S. Soccer Federation and the Mexican Football Federation.
As Australia and New Zealand host the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, presented by Visa, the tournament will showcase the inspiring stories of athletes, highlighting their journeys and the pivotal numbers that have shaped their careers.
