eBay has launched a scheme with the aim of encouraging US SMEs to benefit more from online marketplaces and technology. The hub is the city of Akron in Ohio. This video explores the idea. It’s called Retail Revival.
The idea behind “Retail Revival” is about business diversification and will involve a one year partnership between the city of Akron and eBay. The programme will also welcome nearby Warren based businesses to participate.
eBay CEO Devin Wenig said of the choice of location: “Akron is further ahead than a lot of places, in part because it has a very progressive government and in part because of entrepreneurs I just met who ‘can do’ and technology centric. They’re really excited to try new things.”
Akron and eBay will select 20 to 40 local business in 2018. Entrepreneurs will receive an offer of “exclusive support and resources” to help launch a space on the eBay platform, which will include comprehensive training. The scheme will teach basic selling techniques on eBay and offer a complimentary eBay store subscription and starter kit.
It’s obviously a good thing that eBay is that offering support to SMEs and businesses who need help to develop and grow. And it will be interesting to see if the experiment is successful. And it would be a a good thing to see more help from eBay for small businesses in general. eBay is well placed to be instrumental and help SMEs. Retail Revival is a good idea, but is this modest effort enough?
