The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has launched the first phase of the Athlete365 Business Accelerator Program. The initiative aims to support current and former elite athletes transitioning from sports to entrepreneurship. The program has attracted hundreds of applications from athletes worldwide.
Participants come from over 30 countries, with the most significant representation from Europe at 38%. Africa, North America, Asia-Pacific, and South America are also well-represented. Nearly 55% of the applicants have competed in the Olympics, and 46% still actively participate in their sports while aspiring to start a business.
More than half of the applicants already have a business idea, and 12% have established businesses generating stable revenues. The Athlete365 Business Accelerator will provide participants with educational resources, mentorship, funding, and training in e-commerce, digital marketing, and global trade. The program includes online lessons led by Tony Parker, a two-time Olympian and successful entrepreneur, who will share his journey from professional athlete to business leader.
Participants will also engage in virtual boot camps and one-on-one mentoring sessions.
Supporting athletes’ entrepreneurship transition
These will cover essential business concepts such as idea development, e-commerce fundamentals, and AI-powered tools for global sourcing.
The AI solutions within the program enable businesses to search for products more efficiently, using a combination of videos, images, and text. These tools streamline the sourcing process and allow buyers and suppliers to communicate in multiple languages, making international trade more accessible for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Research indicates that nearly 63% of retired athletes struggle to secure new careers after leaving sports.
The Athlete365 Business Accelerator program aims to address this issue by providing athletes with practical tools for a seamless transition into entrepreneurship. Anne-Sophie Voumard, Managing Director of IOC Television & Marketing Services, emphasized the importance of such partnerships. “Through initiatives like the Athlete365 Business Accelerator, the IOC and its partners are helping athletes succeed not just in their sports but also in life beyond their competitive careers,” she said.
The program’s leadership explained that athletes and entrepreneurs share key traits such as resilience, ambition, and the ability to take calculated risks. “We want to make the transition to entrepreneurship easier for athletes by providing them with practical guidance and the tools they need to thrive in global e-commerce,” they said. The Athlete365 Business Accelerator program is part of a broader strategy to foster global trade and empower entrepreneurs through technology.
The program’s first phase will continue throughout December, with additional phases planned for 2025.
