In a concerted effort to help SMBs across Australia and New Zealand get ahead, buy-now pay-later pioneer, Afterpay is providing a unique opportunity for its merchant community through the launch of Afterpay Connect’s inaugural Global Mentorship Program.

The mentor program will provide 100 Afterpay SMB retail partners the chance to showcase their businesses across Afterpay’s digital platforms and connect these businesses with 2.7 million Afterpay customers. One major winner will receive a tailored mentorship program with some of the world’s most successful retailers and retail advisors: Brian Sugar (Co-Founder/CEO, POPSUGAR), Hilton Seskin (Executive Chairman, Next Athleisure) and Paul Greenberg (Founder NORA Network).

Designed to provide Afterpay’s SMB Merchants with a platform for greater brand awareness and reach, the ultimate winner will also receive a conference package to one of the world’s top retail shows Shoptalk; and a six-month digital strategy and marketing package. The Global Mentorship Program was born from Afterpay’s commitment to support the merchant community across the globe to grow.

Each quarter through July 2019 – June 2020, Afterpay will select a total of 25 merchants leading across a diverse range of commercial, operations and marketing categories. At the end of the fourth quarter, all 100 quarterly winners will be eligible to submit an entry for the grand prize.

An appointed panel of retail experts will select the six finalists who will receive pitch coaching prior to being invited to pitch their proposal in person to gain the ultimate prize.

Speaking of the global initiative, Afterpay CEO and Co-founder Nick Molnar, said it will offer merchants unparalleled opportunities for recognition and development in their industry as well as unprecedented access to some of the best global retail leaders.

“The one thing that connects our diverse community of Afterpay merchants – whether established, growing or just starting out – is passion, ambition and big thinking.

“That’s exactly what our Global Mentorship Program rewards, whilst giving one overall deserving recipient money can’t buy access and mentorship” continued Nick.

Co-founder and CEO of POPSUGAR, Brian Sugar says, “Afterpay is just the injection of energy that small to medium retailers in Australia need at this moment. Simple, transparent and great for both retailers and consumers alike.”

For more information, or detail on Afterpay Connect’s Global Mentorship Program, visit: www.afterpay.com/en-AU/for-retailers