eBay is hoping to tap into the "entrepreneurial spirit" of its users by launching the eBay Sellers Challenge. The challenge asks U.S.-based sellers to answer the question: "If you had $25,000, how would you spend it to start your business on eBay, or grow it on eBay?"
Four winners will each receive a $25,000 business grant, along with marketing advice and assistance from eBay.
"The eBay marketplace is a community rich in innovation and entrepreneurial spirit," says Lorrie Norrington, president of eBay Marketplaces. "The Sellers Challenge helps underscore this simple truth, and along with the powerful selling tools available on eBay, signifies our fundamental commitment to ensuring the success of our sellers."
The contest, which runs through July 7, requires entrants to create a compelling business plan in 250 words or less and submit a video explaining the business plan and their "dedication and passion for using eBay." Entries will fall into one of four categories:
- Current or former members of the U.S. armed forces
- Individuals or small businesses that have never sold on eBay
- Part-time sellers who want to go full-time on eBay
- Full-time eBay sellers who want to grow further
eBay has lined up the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, an organization that promotes entrepreneurship, to help evaluate the entries and provide information and resources to sellers, including advice for developing a business plan and other tips for achieving success online.
A panel of judges will select two finalists for each category. eBay members will then be able to vote online to determine the winners. Winners will be announced Aug. 11.
Auctiva staff writers constantly monitor trends and best practices of those selling on eBay and elsewhere online. They attend relevant training seminars and trade shows and regularly discuss the market with PowerSellers and other market experts.
Other Entries by this Author