London, UK – A new partnership between The King’s Trust and TikTok Shop is set to provide a unique opportunity for a wave of young entrepreneurs in the UK. The partnership aims to support young people in building the skills and confidence needed to secure a job or start their own business.
The partnership will be launching the globally successful Supporting Our Artisans and Retailers (SOAR) programme in the UK for the first time. SOAR, originally launched in the US, aims to empower small and medium businesses, entrepreneurs, and creators on TikTok Shop with tailored support and resources to accelerate their businesses.
The UK arm of the initiative will focus on equipping young founders aged 18-35, particularly those not in education, employment, or training (NEET), with the tools and skills needed to build successful and sustainable businesses in today’s digital economy. Building on the success of the US programme, which saw 80 SMBs graduate last year, the UK initiative is expected to help over 1,000 entrepreneurs every year.
Jan Wilk, Head of TikTok Shop UK, expressed excitement about the launch of SOAR in the UK, stating, “We believe e-commerce should be about more than transactions – it’s about connection, creativity, and opportunity.” He further added, “Through SOAR, we’re proud to work with The King’s Trust to give young entrepreneurs the skills, confidence, and visibility they need to grow their businesses and make an impact.”
The partnership also builds on the existing collaboration between TikTok and The King’s Trust, which began in 2024. TikTok has provided advertising credits to help The King’s Trust reach more young people on the platform and raise awareness of the opportunities available to them.
Jo McKnight, Head of Enterprise at The King’s Trust, highlighted the impact of the partnership, stating, “By combining our experience and knowledge with TikTok Shop’s platform, expertise, and e-commerce tools, we can continue to help young entrepreneurs across the UK turn their ideas into thriving businesses and ultimately take control of their future.”
The partnership is set to focus on three key areas for UK entrepreneurs – digital skills development, youth economic empowerment, and entrepreneurial growth. Participants in the SOAR programme will receive personalized training and tools to help them succeed in the world of e-commerce, including guidance on live streaming, working with creators, and using promotional tools effectively.
The goal of the partnership is to drive inclusive economic growth while empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs to thrive. With the support of TikTok Shop, The King’s Trust is set to continue its mission of supporting young people to achieve their full potential and make a positive impact in their communities.
Media Contact:
TikTok Shop: Jan Wilk – Head of TikTok Shop UK
The King’s Trust: Jo McKnight – Head of Enterprise
Email: info@tiktokshop.com
Website: www.tiktokshop.com
