Today eBay announced the launch of its third annual Up & Running Grants program in partnership with Hello Alice, created to encourage and support U.S. small businesses with the resources they need to scale, grow and thrive online. Since 2020, eBay’s Up & Running Grants have committed $1.5M in funding to 150 small business sellers across the U.S.
Opening today for nominations, eBay’s 2022 Up & Running Grants will award $10,000 grants each to 50 active eBay 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 to support their success. Recipients receive premium access to guided online learning content through the new eBay Academy, and direct training and coaching from expert sellers and small business growth advocates. All interested and eligible small business owners can apply for the grant online here, starting today through June 10, 2022.
2022 grant spotlights business growth and community diversity
Each year, the fund spotlights small businesses for their individuality, creativity and community accomplishments, with the goal of investing in a diverse range of small business owners to advance their long-range business goals and growth.
“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.”
Since its launch in 2020, eBay’s Up & Running Grant program has awarded 100 small businesses across the nation with $1 million in funding to better serve their customers and grow into the future. Nearly 92%* of 2021 grant recipients said that funds—as well as additional business development resources and mentorship opportunities—were necessary to keep their businesses up and running, particularly amidst pandemic-related challenges. Additionally, 90%* labeled grants and resources as keeping them hopeful for the future of their business.
2022 Up & Running Seller Grants Program
Through the 2022 eBay Up & Running Grants program, a new class of 50 eBay small business sellers will each receive a $10,000 grant package composed of cash, premium access to guided online learning content through the new eBay Academy, and direct training and coaching from expert sellers and eBay Growth Advisors.
For the third year in a row, 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 are ultimately chosen for a grant or not. Through Hello Alice, applicants will be enrolled in an online community of similar businesses for peer-to-peer networking and will also have access to thousands of free tools and resources for business owners.
Apply for an Up & Running Grant
Now through Friday, June 10, 2022, eBay small business sellers are encouraged to 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, bring their unique experiences and inventory to the marketplace, and are committed to their communities and the eBay ecosystem.
To apply or learn more about eligibility requirements, sellers can visit helloalice.com/partners/ebay.
