eBay Offers $525,000 in Grants to Support Black and Other Sellers

eBay has announced it will provide $525,000 in grants and technical assistance to support entrepreneurs, including Black-owned businesses, as part of its Up & Running Grants program.

The program, now in its fifth year, aims to foster business growth by offering grants of $10,000 each to 50 eBay sellers in the U.S.

In addition to the grants, each recipient will receive a $500 stipend to invest in necessary office technology and educational support.

eBay, a global marketplace with 132 million active buyers, reported that last year’s recipients found the funding extremely beneficial, with many using it to increase employee wages and improve their business outlook.

eBay’s grants target Black and other marginalized entrepreneurs, who often face difficulties obtaining financial assistance such as bank loans and capital.

The grants can be used for various business needs, including store improvements, new equipment, inventory, marketing, and other purposes.

Dawn Block, eBay’s VP and U.S. General Manager, emphasized the company’s commitment to helping entrepreneurs on its platform succeed.

“We are constantly looking for ways to ensure that entrepreneurs on our marketplace have the capital, resources, and community they need to thrive,” Block said.

eBay is partnering with Hello Alice, a free, multichannel platform that helps businesses launch and grow, to administer the grants program and provide access to mentorship and resources to all sellers who apply, whether they ultimately receive a grant or not.

Co-founder and president of Hello Alice, Elizabeth Gore, noted the importance of grant programs for small business owners facing challenges securing capital and credit for business growth.

“Grant programs are one of the most vital resources for all small business owners who encounter challenges when trying to secure capital or credit for business growth.”

For more information about the grant program, visit eBay’s website.