Wish Local Empowerment Program

The Wish Local Empowerment Program is a national funding initiative launched by Wish, a major e-commerce platform, to support Black-owned small businesses across the United States. With a total fund of $2 million, the program aims to provide approximately 4,000 eligible businesses with financial support ranging from $500 to $2,000. The grant is designed to help recipients sustain or rebuild operations, with full discretion on how the funds are used. Suggested uses include retaining staff, covering rent or inventory costs, reaching new customers, and supporting local community initiatives. Eligibility for the program is clearly defined. Applicants must own a Black-owned brick-and-mortar small business located in the United States, have no more than 20 employees, and earn less than $1 million in average annual revenue. Business owners must be at least 18 years old. Although joining the Wish Local program is not required to apply, selected recipients must become participants in the initiative, which offers small businesses the opportunity to act as neighborhood pickup spots, sell through the Wish platform, and more. Wish Local participation is free, and recipients may choose which aspects of the program to engage in. There are no restrictions on how the funds must be used, allowing businesses to determine their greatest areas of need. The application process involves completing an online form with details about the business, its mission, and the applicant’s reasons for seeking support. Applicants may also upload images or video links to provide additional context. The process is designed to be straightforward and accessible, with an emphasis on storytelling and community impact. Wish emphasizes that participation in its Local program is flexible and non-binding—businesses may opt out at any time or decline participation even if selected. The program reflects the company's commitment to promoting equity and diversity within American commerce, recognizing the systemic challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs and working to counteract those barriers through direct support. By offering flexible funding with minimal barriers to entry, the Wish Local Empowerment Program serves as a practical and impactful resource for Black-owned small businesses striving to thrive in a competitive and often inequitable marketplace. Through this initiative, Wish leverages its platform and reach to uplift underrepresented business owners and foster long-term local economic empowerment.