FedEx today announced the launch of the FedEx E-Business Learning Lab, a new project developed in cooperation with the Accion Opportunity Fund (AOF), a non-profit organization that provides channels, networks and coaching for small business owners. The plan aims to help diversified small business owners who want to develop or expand e-commerce business, because they continue to adjust their business model after the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on women and colored entrepreneurs. The plan will provide intensive practical learning for 150 small business owners across the United States through a series of seminars and one-on-one guidance from e-commerce experts. They will receive free technical support for establishing and maintaining virtual stores, as well as support in marketing, promotion management, customer service, order and fulfillment management and product photography. Participants will also receive a commercial grant of US $2000 to start and develop their e-commerce business. In addition, AOF and FedEx will also develop a series of virtual seminars on more * * e-commerce topics, as well as an online learning center featuring on-demand virtual learning courses, to open knowledge to any small business owners seeking to expand e-commerce.
Hui Jialin, president of FedEx Asia-Pacific region, said: "Asia and Europe are now major trading partners, with an annual merchandise trade volume of 1.5 trillion US dollars [3] 。 FedEx's expansion of international economic express service destinations in Europe will help small and medium-sized enterprises in the Asia-Pacific region that trade with Europe to better grasp global opportunities. With FedEx's international economic express service, SMEs can connect with their global customers in a reliable and economical way. We are helping enterprises establish borderless businesses and create unlimited possibilities.
The intensive hands-on learning experience will be open to 150 small business owners who have just been exposed to e-commerce. It is planned to last for five months from September 2021. This time frame will ensure that participants receive technical support in all aspects of holiday support marketing and promotion as well as management of holiday orders. Traditionally, e-commerce is the busiest time of the year. Technical support, order fulfillment and initial hosting of online stores will be provided in cooperation with 37 Oaks, a Chicago social enterprise founded by Terrand Smith, which aims to help small businesses owned by women and people of color prepare through different growth channels At the end of the experience, participants will be ready to use what they have learned to open their own online store. This new plan is based on FedEx's commitment to support enterprises to establish e-commerce operations, including cooperation with SCORE to develop e-commerce themed educational resources for small enterprises.
Luz Urrutia, executive officer of Accion Opportunity Fund, said: Together with FedEx, we have the opportunity to help raise the voice of entrepreneurs who are often ignored. By providing resources and opportunities and providing customized support, we can prepare these communities for future growth and * ultimately create more equitable economic opportunities for various enterprises.Participants in the queue must have no existing active e-commerce presence. They are currently producing and selling packaged products (prepackaged food with stable shelves or non-food general goods, such as fashion, beauty or home decoration), with an annual income of less than 500000 dollars, and are willing to commit to participate fully in the plan. More details about the application process will be provided in June. You can register here to receive notification when the application goes online.