The FedEx E-Commerce Learning Lab, just launched by FedEX in partnership with non-profit Accion Opportunity Fund (AOF), focuses on small business owners who have e-commerce operations, helping them adapt, develop or expand in response to COVID-19. The $1 million grant program offers particular support to women and entrepreneurs of color, giving them access to capital, networks, and coaching.
“It is no secret that the pandemic has had a significant impact on small business owners, especially women and people of color. Through our new collaboration with AOF, we are helping to level the playing field and get these small businesses back on their feet, which is especially important as record growth in e-commerce volumes continue,” said Brie Carere, FedEx executive vice president, chief marketing and communications officer.
A cohort of 150 U.S. small business owners will participate in workshops and one-on-one coaching given by e-commerce experts. Support will include maintaining their virtual stores, marketing, managing promotions, customer service, and more. In addition to training, each participant will receive a $2,000 business grant.
To be eligible, applicants must currently produce and sell a packaged product (either shelf-stable, pre-packaged food or non-food general merchandise such as fashion, beauty or home décor), earn less than $500,000 in annual revenue and commit to full program participation. They cannot have an existing active e-commerce presence as this program assists with the creation and launch of one.
AOF and FedEx will be doing even more through a series of virtual seminars on more advanced e-commerce topics, as well as an online learning hub featuring on-demand virtual learning courses—open to any small business owner seeking e-commerce expertise. The program is particularly timely as consumers shopped more online during the pandemic resulting in a 33 percent increase in 2020 from the prior year, according to emarketer.
The program will run for five months beginning in September 2021 in advance of the critical holiday season for retailers. Cohort participants will receive technical support, order fulfillment and initial hosting of their online stores from 37 Oaks, a Chicago-based social enterprise founded by Terrand Smith. In their collaborative role, 37 Oaks will help small businesses owned by women and people of color prepare for distribution through diverse growth channels.
“Together with FedEx, we have the opportunity to help elevate the voices of entrepreneurs that often go unheard,” says Luz Urrutia, CEO, Accion Opportunity Fund. “By offering access to resources and opportunities and providing tailored support, we can prepare these communities for future growth and ultimately develop more equitable economic opportunities for a diverse range of businesses.”
Register to be notified for the grant program’s details.
Read about another FedEx grant program assisting small businesses
