Amazon announces new grant program in time for Small Business Month

Amazon Business has launched its 2024 Small Business Grants program, announcing more than $250,000 in grants to support small businesses across the United States.

This initiative is part of Amazon’s commitment to support small business owners during its annual Small Business Month.

The grant program is designed to help small businesses grow and succeed. This year, Amazon will award one grand prize, four finalist awards, and 10 semi-finalist awards totaling more than $250,000. Small businesses that currently use Amazon Business and have annual sales of $1 million or less are eligible to apply.

In addition to cash, the winner will receive a free one-year subscription to Business Prime and a variety of Amazon devices and Amazon Basics products. The deadline for applications is May 24, 2024, and the winners will be announced on July 22, 2024. Applications can be made at the following locations: www.amazon.com/smallbusinessgrant.

Reflecting the benefits of the program, the 2023 grand prize winner was GiftAMeal, a St. Louis company that donates one meal for every meal photographed at a partner restaurant. She used her $25,000 grant she received last year to expand her services to more states and help more people in need.

“The Amazon Business grant allows us to continue serving underrepresented communities and providing meals to those who need it most,” said Andrew Glantz, founder and CEO of GiftAMeal. ”.

Shelley Salomon, vice president of Amazon Business Worldwide, emphasized the company’s focus on helping small businesses make a significant impact in their communities. “We are very passionate about promoting education and funding small businesses that are making a difference locally,” Salomon said.

In addition to financial support, Amazon has launched the Small Business Success Studio, a free online resource that provides educational tools for entrepreneurs. The platform aims to help small business owners learn critical finance, marketing, procurement and operations skills critical to growth and sustainability.