Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer, has taken a step forward in supporting the growth of Black-owned businesses with the launch of the Amazon Black Business Accelerator (ABBA) program in 2020. The program is a part of Amazon’s $150 million Black Business Accelerator fund, which was created to help support the growth and success of Black-owned businesses.
The Amazon Black Business Accelerator program offers a range of benefits to eligible businesses, including access to training, mentorship, marketing support, and other resources to help grow and scale their businesses. The program is designed to help Black entrepreneurs overcome the challenges they face when starting and growing a business, such as access to funding and resources, marketing and branding, and navigating the complexities of the e-commerce marketplace.
To be eligible for the Amazon Black Business Accelerator program, businesses must be Black-owned and operated, have a product or service that is eligible for sale on Amazon, and have a valid US business license. In addition, businesses must meet certain performance metrics on Amazon, such as maintaining a high customer rating and sales volume.
One of the key benefits of the Amazon Black Business Accelerator program is the access to a dedicated team of Amazon experts who can provide customized training and support to help businesses succeed on Amazon’s platform. This includes help with product listing optimization, advertising and marketing strategies, and fulfillment and shipping logistics.
In addition to the personalized support, businesses enrolled in the Amazon Black Business Accelerator program also have access to a range of other benefits, including:
- Amazon storefront design and marketing support to help businesses build a strong brand and attract new customers.
- Access to Amazon’s network of business coaches and industry experts who can provide guidance and advice on a wide range of topics, from marketing and advertising to finance and accounting.
- Participation in Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator bootcamps and workshops, which provide hands-on training and support for business owners.
- Discounts on Amazon’s products and services, such as shipping and fulfillment, advertising, and account management fees.
The Amazon Black Business Accelerator program is a part of Amazon’s broader commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within its own operations and across the broader business community. As part of this commitment, Amazon has set a goal to increase its spending with Black-owned businesses by $1 billion by 2025.
By supporting the growth and success of Black-owned businesses through the Amazon Black Business Accelerator program, Amazon is helping to create a more equitable and inclusive business environment, where entrepreneurs of all backgrounds have access to the resources and support they need to succeed.