← Global hubs Shop Owner
Global English (English) $ USD
Erion runs a small retail shop and is constantly looking for ways to digitize, upskill, and expand his business reach. This hub aggregates global programmes, grants, and digital resources accessible to entrepreneurs and small business owners worldwide.
Digital tools are essential for modern retail, and many global giants offer free or subsidized access to help small businesses compete.
Google Digital Garage national · Google
Who qualifies Anyone with an internet connection.
What you get Free certification in digital marketing and e-commerce basics.
What it actually costs you Time; no fees, just self-paced study.
Common gotcha The certificate is recognized by industry but is not an academic degree.
Meta Boost national · Meta
Who qualifies Small business owners using Facebook/Instagram.
What you get Training, ad credits, and access to business support tools.
What it actually costs you Time for workshops; requires an active business page.
Common gotcha Ad credits are often regional and limited in quantity.
Shopify Compass national · Shopify
Who qualifies Entrepreneurs looking to start or scale an online store.
What you get Free courses on retail strategy, SEO, and inventory management.
What it actually costs you Free registration; no obligation to purchase a Shopify plan.
Common gotcha The curriculum is heavily biased toward the Shopify platform.
Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub national · Microsoft
Who qualifies Small businesses with a tech-enabled component.
What you get Up to $150,000 in Azure credits and free access to M365.
What it actually costs you Application requires a business pitch/plan.
Common gotcha Requires a clear 'tech' angle, not just a physical retail store.
AWS Activate national · Amazon
Who qualifies Small businesses building digital infrastructure.
What you get Cloud credits, technical support, and training.
What it actually costs you Application process; requires business registration details.
Common gotcha Credits expire after a set period, usually 12-24 months.
Canva for Nonprofits/Small Teams national · Canva
Who qualifies Small teams or social enterprises.
What you get Premium design tools for branding and marketing.
What it actually costs you Verification of business status.
Common gotcha The free tier is generous, so check if you really need the premium version. Running a shop requires accounting, management, and negotiation skills; these platforms provide high-level training for free.
Coursera Financial Aid national · Coursera
Who qualifies Individuals unable to afford course fees.
What you get Full access to professional certificates and courses for free.
What it actually costs you Application essay explaining financial need; 15-day approval wait.
Common gotcha You must apply for aid for each individual course.
LinkedIn Learning (via Public Libraries) national · LinkedIn / Local Libraries
Who qualifies Library card holders in participating regions.
What you get Unlimited access to business and creative courses.
What it actually costs you Library membership card.
Common gotcha Not all libraries participate; check your local branch.
edX Audit Track national · edX
Who qualifies Anyone seeking university-level knowledge.
What you get Free access to lecture materials from top universities.
What it actually costs you Free; no certificate provided unless paid.
Common gotcha You don't get the certificate or graded assignments on the audit track.
Kiva Microloans national · Kiva
Who qualifies Small business owners in underserved communities.
What you get 0% interest loans funded by global lenders.
What it actually costs you Application process and community endorsement.
Common gotcha The process is community-vetted, which takes time.
SBA International Trade Resources national · SBA (US-based but globally applicable advice)
Who qualifies Small business owners looking to export.
What you get Guides on international market entry and trade compliance.
What it actually costs you Time; all guides are free.
Common gotcha Advice is US-centric, so verify local customs laws.
UNESCO Entrepreneurship Resources national · UNESCO
Who qualifies Youth and social entrepreneurs.
What you get Policy toolkits and business model templates.
What it actually costs you Free.
Common gotcha Resources are often high-level and academic. Isolation is the biggest threat to a small business; global networks provide mentorship and shared experiences.
Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) national · EO Global
Who qualifies Business owners with specific revenue thresholds.
What you get Peer-to-peer mentorship and global networking.
What it actually costs you Membership fees vary by chapter.
Common gotcha Strict revenue requirements for entry.
SCORE Mentoring national · SCORE
Who qualifies Small business owners needing guidance.
What you get Free one-on-one business mentoring.
What it actually costs you Time; volunteers provide the service for free.
Common gotcha Mentors are often retired executives; ensure their experience matches your industry.
International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) national · ICC
Who qualifies Businesses involved in international trade.
What you get Trade rules, arbitration, and global advocacy.
What it actually costs you Membership dues.
Common gotcha Mostly beneficial for businesses importing/exporting goods.
Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) national · GEN
Who qualifies Any entrepreneur.
What you get Access to global events and policy research.
What it actually costs you Free to join the community.
Common gotcha More of a networking hub than a direct funding source.
B Corp Certification national · B Lab
Who qualifies Businesses meeting high social/environmental standards.
What you get Global recognition and brand trust.
What it actually costs you Application fee and rigorous audit process.
Common gotcha The certification process is extremely time-consuming.
Rotary Business Fellowships national · Rotary International
Who qualifies Business professionals.
What you get Global networking and service opportunities.
What it actually costs you Membership dues.
Common gotcha Requires active participation in local club meetings. Understanding international trade standards and intellectual property protects my shop from costly legal mistakes.
WIPO Intellectual Property Portal national · WIPO
Who qualifies Business owners protecting brands/inventions.
What you get Guides on trademarks, patents, and copyright.
What it actually costs you Free information; filing fees apply for actual protection.
Common gotcha WIPO provides the framework, but you still need local legal counsel.
WTO Trade Helpdesk national · WTO
Who qualifies Exporters and importers.
What you get Information on tariffs and trade requirements.
What it actually costs you Free.
Common gotcha Data can be highly technical and dense.
ISO Standards Access national · ISO
Who qualifies Businesses seeking quality certification.
What you get Standardized operating procedures (e.g., ISO 9001).
What it actually costs you Purchase price for specific standards documents.
Common gotcha Standards are expensive to buy; check if your industry body provides them.
UN Global Compact national · United Nations
Who qualifies Businesses committed to sustainable practices.
What you get Framework for ethical business operations.
What it actually costs you Annual contribution based on company size.
Common gotcha Requires annual reporting on progress.
OECD SME Policy Index national · OECD
Who qualifies Policy-aware entrepreneurs.
What you get Insights into how governments support SMEs.
What it actually costs you Free.
Common gotcha Useful for advocacy, not for direct business operations.
ICC Incoterms Guide national · ICC
Who qualifies Retailers importing goods.
What you get Standardized international shipping terms.
What it actually costs you Free guides available online.
Common gotcha Using the wrong Incoterm can lead to massive shipping disputes.
One honest app. Real lives, real businesses. Free for what people need, paid only for what runs a business — on our own model, our own metal.
Where we run
Bangalore + Czechia
Our own metal · GDPR · DPDPA
