eBay Up & Running Grant

The eBay Up & Running Grant is an annual initiative spearheaded by eBay, in partnership with Hello Alice, to empower small business owners across the United States. In its sixth year, this program continues eBay’s longstanding commitment to supporting entrepreneurs by offering substantial financial backing and educational resources to help them grow their businesses. The 2025 edition will distribute $500,000 in total, awarding 50 recipients with $10,000 in unrestricted funds, a $500 stipend for technology purchases via eBay Refurbished, and access to specialized seller education resources. The primary goal of the Up & Running Grant is to provide critical financial support to small businesses actively selling on eBay. The grant aims to help these businesses expand their product lines, optimize operations, and acquire essential tools and technologies to accelerate growth. The program does not require any purchase or cost to enter, ensuring equitable access to funding for eligible applicants. To be considered, applicants must be legal residents of the fifty U.S. states, District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico, aged 18 or older (19 in AL and NE), and be the leading executive of a business—such as Founder, CEO, or similar position. Eligible businesses must be registered and located within the U.S. territories, maintain an active selling status on eBay with listings within the past six months, and hold an “Above Standard” or “Top Rated” seller status. Previous recipients of the eBay Up & Running Grant are ineligible to apply. Applications are open from May 5, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. ET through June 6, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. ET. During this period, applicants must complete a detailed online application through Hello Alice, including information about their business, leadership, and how they plan to use the funds. All applications must be submitted through the Hello Alice platform, and only one entry per applicant is allowed. A panel from Hello Alice and eBay will review applications based on three criteria: demonstrated need for funds to improve online sales and digital presence (40%), the feasibility and clarity of the proposed growth plan (35%), and demonstrated entrepreneurial commitment to success in e-commerce (25%). Winners will be notified in August 2025. The program organizers reserve the right to conduct interviews and request additional materials to verify eligibility. For questions or more information, applicants are directed to contact the grant administrator, Circular Board, Inc. doing business as Hello Alice. Additional information including privacy policies, program conditions, and complete terms can be accessed through the Hello Alice website.