Entrepreneurs are not alone in Risk

The word Entrepreneur in my opinion goes together with young sporting achievers and none more so that those in the sport of Motocross. 

If you are a business owner who took risks to get your dreams recognised in the business world...... you will certainly identify with these two young, high talented women who are on the brink of European championships.

Chelsea Gowland - Faster that the former World Champion

Chelsea was the runaway leader of the British Women's Motocross Championship and she did all this on her 5 year old bike, most rider's get a new bike every other year.  The 2nd round of the European's took place in England so she was able to enter. Whilst in 2nd place chasing former world champion Steffi Liaire she broke her ankle riding the nuts off her bike against the latest factory bike of Steffi. Chelsea was only 2 seconds a lap off her time and in that last race was actually catching her until breaking the ankle. Chelsea is back on a bike now after breaking her ankle half way through the season and at a recent practice day she borrowed a 2017 bike, knocking 3 seconds off her lap time. With more time to set the bike up she is confident that would be 5 seconds. That makes her quicker than the former World champion. 

Chelsea is a natural rider and risk taker with the ability to become the British, European and World Motocross Champion.

Leonni Tighe - A Hot Prospect at Only 16

16 year old Leonni Tighe currently 2nd in the British Women will be picked to race for GB next year in Europe but sadly on her own income won't make it. One of the hottest prospects for the British series her family sacrificed everything to give her this opportunity and she certainly grasped it. She rode in the European heat in England and wore a GB shirt. At such a young age with her fearless determination she could be one of those girls on the Podium.

Sponsorship

When you do well in business what better gift can we give but to support others? Sponsoring the girls does not have to cost a fortune.  In fact giving a tank full of fuel or ￡50 for the race entry fee would mean so much to them. 

We know ￡500 from a local company to a Rider or Team goes a long way to offset the rising costs of MX sport. But what the company may find is that their sponsorship also goes a long way to strengthen the bond between their brand and the community.

Here are reasons why businesses should sponsor a young rider or sports person.

• Increase awareness of the company's products and services. Sponsorship has benefits for the sponsor built in:  signage, website advertising, company name on kit, bike etc. Through a sponsorship, a company's brand will be in front of the of parents, coaches, program organisers, riders and fans. And if these girls get to race in Europe regularly, you will be extending your reach out of the domestic market.
• A welcomed form of advertising. In most settings consumers are inclined to tune out advertising. Although many traditional ways of reaching consumers are failing, youth sports sponsorships are a positive and engaging way to market a brand. Parents like to see the companies that are supporting local sports. Other business involved in MX will see your brand too.
• Outstanding value for the Pounds invested. Although sponsorship costs vary from organisation to rider, they can start from a low as ￡50. When comparing the cost of other marketing outlets like print and digital advertising, youth sports sponsorships can be a great value and a smart option to include into the marketing mix.
• Build goodwill. Companies that sponsor youth sportsmen and women make a positive contribution to their community. Overall this can evoke a community wide feeling that a company understands the impact and importance of sports for their youth. This feeling can in still loyalty among a business' current and future patrons.
• Possible tax incentive. Many youth sports organisations are registered nonprofit groups. If that is the case, businesses can get a tax break for making a charitable donation. That is just another added benefit of sponsoring youth sports.