eBay offers small business sellers support

eBay announced the launch of its third annual Up & Running Grants program, created to support U.S. small businesses with e-commerce.

Initially introduced in 2020, the program will award $10,000 grants each to 50 small business sellers in the U.S. for business needs such as physical and digital store improvements, new equipment and inventory, technology, hiring and training. Recipients also receive access to guided online learning content through the eBay Academy, and direct training and coaching from other sellers and small business growth advocates. 

For the third year in a row, eBay is partnering with Hello Alice, an organization dedicated to helping entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses, to administer the grants program and provide access to mentorship and resources to all sellers who apply, whether they are ultimately chosen for a grant or not.

Walmart, Amazon compete with eBay for small sellers
eBay is providing its Up & Running Grants program as two of its main e-commerce marketplace rivals, Walmart and Amazon, are also trying to attract small sellers with various offerings. In April 2022, Walmart rolled out “New-Seller Savings,” a limited-time Walmart Marketplace promotion exclusive to new participants on the platform. Sellers who join Walmart Marketplace by May 31, 2022, and start selling on Walmart.com by June 30, 2022, will receive a 50% discount on commission rates for the first 90 days.

Meanwhile, Amazon actively assists third-party retailers (primarily small-to-medium-sized businesses) to sell on its Amazon Marketplace e-commerce platform with at least 150 tools and services. April 2022 also saw the e-tail giant introduce “New Seller Incentives,” a suite of benefits it says is worth more than $50,000 in potential value; and the “Perfect Launch” playbook, which offers actionable steps for new-to-Amazon selling partners. New Seller Incentive benefits are available for a full year and it is not a temporary promotional program.

"Small businesses are the backbone of eBay—bringing their rich and diverse inventory to create the world's most vibrant marketplace," said Andrea Stairs, VP of eBay's seller community. "The strength of our economy depends on small business owners, and our Up & Running Grants program is part of eBay's ongoing commitment to empowering them. We continue to find new ways to invest in small businesses and make eBay their platform of choice, offering community, counsel, a support system and funding."

"We are thrilled to continue our partnership with eBay on their Up & Running Grants program to ensure that small business owners have the capital they need to succeed,” said Elizabeth Gore, Co-Founder and President of Hello Alice. “This year, we look forward to supporting even more eBay Sellers as they grow on the marketplace and we commend eBay for their ongoing support of the small businesses on the platform."

Now through Friday, June 10, 2022, eBay small business sellers can apply for Up & Running Grants via an online application. Business sellers will be asked to share details of their small business and how they plan to use the grant to accelerate their growth. eBay is looking to identify sellers who represent a diverse range of backgrounds. To apply or learn more about eligibility requirements, sellers can visit ebay.helloalice.com.