Over 18,000 small businesses applied for this year’s eBay Up & Running grants, up 162% over last year, and eBay recently announced the 50 US winners.
In addition to receiving a $10,000 grant, each of the 50 winners will also receive training and mentorship and a $500 stipend to equip themselves with business technology and tools from eBay Refurbished.
eBay’s Vice President and General Manager of eBay US Dawn Block said in the company’s announcement, “Entrepreneurship is at the heart of eBay. We have always been committed to empowering small business owners and providing the tools they need to be successful. We are honored and excited to be a part of the growth journey for this year’s Up & Running Grants recipients, and cannot wait to see how they continue to pursue their business goals.”
This is the 5th annual Up & Running program. eBay said this year’s candidates included 19% more early-stage entrepreneurs compared to last year.
“Since 2020, Up & Running Grant recipients – ranging from collectibles, art and electronics – have leveraged grant funds to invest in crucial areas of their businesses, to build their business and foster growth,” eBay said.
All applicants of the Up & Running Grants program are offered access to mentorship and resources on Hello Alice, a free, multichannel platform that helps businesses launch and grow
eBay also published the following video on YouTube that features the grant winners along with eBay CEO Jamie Iannone; Vice President of Seller Experience Product Michelle Warvel; Vice President and General Manager of Global Collectibles Adam Ireland; Vice President and General Manager of Global Payments and Financial Services Avritti Khandurie Mittal; and Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Beric Alleyne:
