The FedEx E-Commerce Learning Lab is a multi-faceted program designed to help small business owners who are looking to develop or expand their e-commerce operations as they continue to adapt their business models in an increasingly digital world.
Donor Name: Accion Opportunity Fund
State: All States
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 07/03/2025
Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The program has three components to support businesses at different stages in their e-commerce journey:
- Hands-on learning for small businesses that are new to e-commerce: Small business owners who do not have an active e-commerce site can apply to be selected to participate in a Beginners’ Cohort, an intensive learning and coaching experience to create an online store and sell their products through this store. They will attend a series of live virtual workshops focused on e-commerce basics over four months and receive one-on-one coaching by e–commerce experts. They will then apply the learnings from the courses and coaching by launching their e–commerce business on the SOKONI platform. They will receive free technical support in setting up and maintaining their virtual stores, marketing, managing promotions, customer service, managing orders and fulfillments, and product photography. At the end of the experience, participants will be prepared to take what they have learned to launch their own online store on any platform they choose. Participants who complete the experience will receive a $5,000 business grant to put toward an e-commerce growth plan that they develop during the program.
- Virtual seminars on advanced e-commerce topics: The second component is a series of four virtual seminars on advanced e–commerce topics. The seminars feature a wide array of expert speakers and target small business owners who are looking to refine and strengthen their e-commerce skills in key areas.
- Online learning journeys: The third component is a dedicated online learning hub that features self-serve digital micro-courses on e-commerce topics.
Funding Information
A $5,000 business grant to support your growth plan.
Eligibility Criteria
- The Beginners’ Cohort program is intended to support small business owners who are trying out e-commerce for the first time, do not currently have an active e-commerce presence, or are experiencing stagnant sales in their online shops. Participant businesses should sell packaged products (either shelf-stable pre-packaged food or non-food general merchandise. e.g. fashion, beauty, home décor). The majority of program graduates have historically identified as women, people of color, and/or low-income business owners, but any business owner who meets the eligibility criteria is welcome and encouraged to apply.
- Any small business owner who meets the following criteria could apply for Beginners’ Cohort: Own a business based in the United States Currently sell a packaged, shelf-stable product that is not part of a prohibited industry Currently hold appropriate legal permits to produce and sell their product(s) Earned less than $500,000 in annual revenue in 2024 Have been in business for at least six months [since January 2025] Be willing to commit to full program participation, which includes attending courses and workshops, participating in coaching sessions, and selling their products through SOKONI’s learning laboratory and marketplace for the holiday season.
- Eligible businesses must:
- Own at least 51% of a US-based small business that is in an eligible industry.
- Have been formally operating the business for at least six months [since January 2025]
- Currently produce and sell a shelf-stable, legal, packaged product
- Have earned less than $500,000 in the business in 2024.
For more information, visit Accion Opportunity Fund.
