Small Businesses Drive America Forward

eBay recently celebrated entrepreneurs at a Capitol Hill event

For 250 years, entrepreneurs have embodied the American spirit, creating their own businesses  and determining their own futures.

To celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, and the role entrepreneurs have played in shaping our country, eBay recently hosted “Made in America: The Spirit of Small Business,” a celebration at the U.S. Capitol. Guests had the chance to view unique Americana — including a rare original “Exeter Broadside” printing of the Declaration of Independence from July 1776 — and talk with eBay sellers about their experiences.

“These pieces remind us that America has always been built by people with the courage to imagine something new,” said Samantha Wellington, Chief Legal Officer at eBay. “And that same spirit lives on today in the millions of small businesses powering eBay’s marketplace that are truly Made by America.”

From eBay to Storefront

Will Zena, owner of AVZEN Sports, displayed a 1958 TOPPS World Series card featuring “batting foes” Mickey Mantle and Hank Aaron. He credits eBay with helping him turn his childhood hobby of collecting cards into a business with more than 11,000 sports collectibles and memorabilia in inventory, seven employees, and a 3,500-square-foot store in Fort Myers, Florida.

“Entrepreneurship means a lot to me because it allows us to build our own destinies, really from nothing — we don't all have the backing of someone financially to help us get our dreams started,” he said. “So, places like eBay are very important for those who didn't come up with much, like me. I like to be that person people can look to and say, ‘if you could do it, I think I could do it too.’”

Kyle and Sarah Nelson, of South Dakota, took a similar journey, transforming his passion for vintage collectibles into a full-time business with a brick-and-mortar store. Their eBay store, Red White True Company, sells Michelin Man figurines, piggy banks and bottle openers.

Both Zena and the Nelsons have a 100% positive feedback rate on eBay, with buyers praising their communication, fast shipping and packaging.

Investing in New Entrepreneurs

Today, eBay is investing in new tools and programs to support the next generation of entrepreneurs. New AI technology has streamlined the listing process on the platform, making it faster and easier for sellers. AI can generate descriptions and enhance photos to make them more eye-catching for potential buyers.

Malena Martinez, owner of Malena’s Vintage Boutique in West Chester, PA and one of the sellers at the event, said those investments have made it easier for her business to scale online. 

“The ease of listing has just been increasing,” she said. “We’ve gone from a couple hundred listings to a couple thousand, and it's just going to get easier and easier as their advancements start to increase.”

eBay remains committed to supporting small businesses because they are the backbone of the nation’s economy—driving growth and supporting communities. In fact, small businesses make up 70% of sales on eBay.

“Our sellers come from every corner of America and every stage of entrepreneurship,” Wellington said. “But they share a common drive to build something of their own and turn personal passions into lasting professions.”