eBay, the OG online sneaker marketplace, is partnering with Hatch to create The Sneaker Academy, a FREE 14 week programme, helping young people develop a business out of their passion for sneakers.

With hands-on training and guidance from eBay experts and master sneakerheads, alongside support in building a business and financial assistance, this programme sets out to help young sneakerheads tap into the $3.66bn a year UK pre-loved sneaker market and turn a side-hustle into an income-generating online business.

£1500

Graduates can apply for up to £1500 of funding.

Since joining and being a part of the Hatch community, I feel so much more confident in building a business and taking the plunge.

Shana Gujral

Think Lila

Who it’s for

For entrepreneurs that are ready to get started, want to learn more about selling sneakers and would benefit from business support. This programme is aimed at hustlers who are ready to take the next step in their entrepreneurship journey.

What’s included in the programme:

Access to eBay’s sneaker team to gain category insights and knowledge

Specialist support from Hatch on business topics including marketing, finance and legal

Access to eBay’s marketing tools so you know how to optimise products and see real-time results

A community of like-minded entrepreneurs

Use of free insights and data-driven tools to help you know where to sell, when to sell, and what price

Opportunity to explore free promotional tools that let you create ads to boost your sales

What you’ll get:

Zero selling fees for six months on eBay
Free shopfront for six months on eBay
1:1 support from a dedicated eBay expert and other expert mentors
Opportunity to apply for cash grants for your business

The Hatch team is so knowledgeable, so enthusiastic, so supportive. I have grown in ways I didn’t even know I could. It’s as transformative as therapy.

Yasmin Spark

Align Events

Apply now

Price:

FREE

This programme is valued at over £6000, but thanks to our partnership with eBay the programme is provided free of charge.

Requirements:

You’re 18-30 years old and are based in the UK*
You’re passionate about sneaker culture, and want to explore making a living from selling sneakers

You are interested in becoming your own boss and increasing your business knowledge, skills and confidence
You want to network with like-minded sneakerheads

*If you’re over 30 but still want to take part, please send us an email at programmes@hatchenterprise.org and we’ll get back to you.

Date of next programme:

17 May – 14 Aug 2023

Application deadline: 3 Apr 2023

Location: Online

Join a supportive community of entrepreneurs and experts to get the support you need to launch, grow and scale your business.

If you have any issues filling in the form linked above, please contact programmes@hatchenterprise.org.

Frequently asked questions

What support is included in the programme?

In each of our programmes you will get access to:

Expert-led workshops
Facilitated group sessions with other entrepreneurs
1:1 support
Support developing and practicing your pitch
Networking and events
Membership of Hatch’s community of founders

Are programmes run in person or remotely?

Until further notice we will continue to run all of our programmes online.

Does Hatch take equity?

No. Hatch’s programmes provide support to entrepreneurs, but we don’t take any equity or stake in your business.

Will Hatch sign an NDA? Is my idea protected?

Like most early-stage programmes, Hatch cannot sign an NDA, but we won’t share any confidential information from the application process or interviews.

How much time should I be willing to commit to the programme?

Most of the Hatch team either have been or are entrepreneurs, so we understand how tricky it is to commit to recurring meetings when life is so busy. However, one of the most encouraging pieces of feedback we receive from entrepreneurs is that our programmes allow them to take a step back, to work on the business rather than in it. Therefore we ask that participants attend at least 75% of all workshops and events.

What happens when the programme finishes?

After you finish the programme, you will become part of the Hatch community. You can continue to interact with other entrepreneurs, join events, and share news and opportunities. Likewise, eBay will continue to provide guidance and support on your ecommerce business beyond the life of the programme.

I have a co-founder who would also like to attend, can we join together?

We ask that there is one primary founder who takes part in the programme and attends the workshops. Co-founders or business partners are welcome to attend some events and 121 support alongside the main founder.

Want to build your own successful sneaker business?