Visa’s new campaign celebrates “support squads” for empowering elite female athletes and businesswomen, on and off the field.
Visa, a leader in digital payments and the exclusive “Payments Technology Partner” of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023, has unveiled a new campaign to recognize the importance of “support squads” in helping elite female athletes and businesswomen succeed both on and off the field.
According to recent research commissioned by Visa, female small business owners who feel their “support squad” is very strong (a group of friends, family, or coworkers) are nearly twice as likely (67%) to report business revenue growth in the previous year than those who feel their “squad” is not at all strong (32%) do.
91% of female small business leaders polled in the UK said having a support system was essential to attaining their professional objectives, and 78% said their company wouldn’t be where it is today without one.
Fran Kirby, a highly esteemed Chelsea midfielder and former England international, is taking part in the Celebrating Squad Goals campaign to emphasize the value of support systems in all aspects of life, including work and sports.
When speaking about the program, Kirby said, “My own support network has been instrumental in my journey, celebrating my successes and lifting me up during the difficult times, such as my current injury.”
“Watching the women’s game become stronger each year and serve as such a potent platform for advancing gender equality and encouraging women and girls to pursue their aspirations is incredibly gratifying. To make’support squads’ the focal point of this celebration of women on the global stage, I’m collaborating with Visa.
The $500,000 cash incentive from Visa for small enterprises run by women
According to the Visa study, the three most important qualities that female company executives look for when assembling their “support squad” are reliability (51%), honesty (42%), and optimism (40%). Diversity of thinking is also important; according to 78% of female business executives, this is because it helps them achieve their professional objectives.
With its new Celebrating Squad Goals campaign, Visa is demonstrating its dedication to advancing women’s status and promoting excellence, equality, and inclusion throughout the economy. Visa is doing this in part to underscore the crucial role that small company owners play in sustaining our economies.
In support of this, Visa will honor women-owned small businesses by sponsoring the FIFA Women’s World Cup Player of the Match Award. At the athlete trophy presentation for the 64 matches where grants totaling $500,000 were given out, Visa will declare the winners.
“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 after,” said Mandy Lamb, managing director of Visa in the UK and Ireland.
“As our research demonstrates, support networks are actually the unsung heroes of the economy. As a result, we’re inviting everyone to join us in elevating the profile of the people who make them thrive.
“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.”
