News — fundraising

Black in Business: Wish Launches $2 Million Fund To Support Black-Owned Businesses
Wish, one of the largest and fastest-growing global e-commerce platforms, is announcing the launch of a $2 million fund to support independent, Black-owned retail businesses across the U.S.
Eligible business owners can apply for a $500 to $2,000 grant to help rebuild or reinvigorate their business. Funds can be allocated to a wide range of business needs, including workforce, operating costs, inventory, and marketing.
The move follows the news that Black-owned businesses in the U.S., which are highly concentrated in retail, food and beverage, and other service industries, are amongst the hardest hit by COVID-19 lockdowns. Between February and April 2020, the number of Black business owners in the U.S. dropped by 41%, vs 17% for white business owners. The challenges that face Black-owned businesses in the U.S. look likely to prevail well into next year.
Hassan Yahya, vice president of experience at Wish, said: “This is something we’ve wanted to do for some time but the COVID-19 pandemic crisis and the Black Lives Matter movement has really fast-tracked our mission. The Wish Local Empowerment Program provides a starting point for us to support independent, Black-owned businesses that are often denied government aid and lack other financial resources to fall back on. By joining the Wish Local network, we can help Black-owned businesses tap into the growing demand for e-commerce, as well as diversify their core revenue streams. We really hope we can make a difference and create a lasting impact on the equality and diversity of U.S. businesses.”
The fund is being financed by Wish Local—a partnership program between Wish and a global network of brick-and-mortar stores. Any small business owner can apply as long as they meet the following criteria:
- 100% Black-owned or majority Black-owned
- Brick-and-mortar store located within the U.S.
- 20 or fewer full-time employees
- Annual revenue of less than $1 million in the last 12 months
As part of the initiative, Wish has partnered with Official Black Wall Street and Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce (LIAACC) to help promote the program amongst their networks.
To apply, business owners must tell Wish about their store and why they qualify for the program. Our committee will then review all applications to select which stores will receive funds and allocate funds accordingly. All successful applicants join the Wish Local program—a global network of 40,000 partner stores around the world. Through the program they can sign up as a Wish Pickup point or take advantage of our Sell on Wish feature that gives small retailers an immediate digital presence by allowing them to trade their own inventory online. Sign up is free and Wish takes no cut of any product upload, sale, or delivery fee.

Africax5 - Raising Funds for Ousman Touray
Its time to assist our Future Leaders in the Continent!!!!!!
We need your support!!!
After our Live interview with Ousman Touray a bright Pan African Student from the Gambia who turnt down a series of International Scholarships to study abroad to stay in Africa and study the African model, We decided to assist his career development by fundraising for the capital of $3000 to go towards a mentorship / leadership programme with Ayina Think Tank for him in Rwanda.
This here is a message from Ousman Touray explaining his journey and future plans in Africa
The amount is for.
1. Ayina Think Tank Course Fee
2. Accommodation for his duration of study. Also Juliet Ryan from Bla xit will also be raising additional funds towards Ousmans flight and expenses.
This is a great opportunity for us all to invest in our future leaders of the Continent.
Also if you donate towards Ousman via paypal (info@africax5)
Please Reference (Ousman Touray) Thank you!
You can watch more of Ousmans Views of a New Africa on www.africax5.tv.
Also you can follow Ousman to see his journey and progressions instagram @ousmantouray19
Rewatch our interview with Ousman Touray at www.africax5.tv
Thank you All for your support!