FedEx integrates artificial intelligence (AI) into its daily operations to manage millions of shipments worldwide. From route planning and demand forecasting to enhancing customer service, technology plays a central role in how the company operates. Through its Empowering Entrepreneurs initiative, FedEx is extending this technology-driven approach to small businesses by helping entrepreneurs understand emerging AI trends and apply practical solutions to strengthen their businesses.
In collaboration with organizations such as Accion Opportunity Fund (AOF), Accion, Global Entrepreneurship Network/Hello Alice, Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC), and other partners, FedEx is working to ensure that small businesses can adapt to the evolving digital marketplace. As AI transforms the ways consumers search for, explore, and purchase products and services, these initiatives aim to equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge and resources needed to remain competitive.
“The program encouraged us to take a more thoughtful approach to our online product positioning, communicate our brand identity more effectively, and create a more seamless digital experience for customers,” said FedEx E-Commerce Learning Lab Cohort Participant.
“This course reinforced the importance of having clear structures, thoughtful planning, and a well-defined strategy alongside hard work,” said FedEx E-Commerce Learning Lab Cohort Participant
Helping Small Businesses Stay Visible in an AI-Driven Search Environment
Artificial intelligence is transforming online product discovery, with AI-generated search responses and personalized shopping assistants increasingly influencing consumer decisions. In partnership with AOF and the FedEx E-Commerce Learning Lab, FedEx is providing entrepreneurs with educational resources, expert guidance, and access to capital to help them respond to these changes.- Expanding access to business education: Since 2021, the FedEx E-Commerce Learning Lab has supported more than 11,000 small business owners through complimentary webinars, practical online courses, and collaborative cohort-based learning experiences.
- Building awareness of AI-powered search: The program’s webinar on improving visibility in AI-driven search has received more than 12,000 views on YouTube. Watch the webinar.
- Developing practical digital skills: FedEx e-commerce specialists have guided entrepreneurs on creating product descriptions that AI systems can interpret effectively and using free analytics tools to understand how customers discover their businesses.
- Strengthening social media reach: Entrepreneurs completing the Learning Lab have reported an average increase of 400% in their social media followers following program participation.
Leveraging Technology to Strengthen Business Performance
Digital capabilities can help entrepreneurs improve operational efficiency and identify new opportunities for growth. Throughout 2025, FedEx emphasized practical learning in business fundamentals, digital adoption, and AI, with training spanning marketing, financial management, operational processes, and the responsible application of technology.- Measurable progress through business development programs: A group of 150 participants in the FedEx Entrepreneur Fund and Boost Camp—a 12-week digital accelerator delivered in partnership with Hello Alice and the Global Entrepreneurship Network—recorded an average 46% improvement in their Business Health™ scores. Additionally, 95% reported feeling better prepared to address challenges within their industries.
- Improving confidence in AI adoption: Through ICIC’s Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) program, entrepreneurs who completed AI-focused training closed 41% of the gap toward the highest AI confidence level immediately after the course. Participants rated the training’s value at 4.6 out of 5.
Combining Technology and Sustainability to Build Scalable Businesses
Adriana Kao, a participant in Boost Camp, established Usefull to address the environmental challenge posed by disposable takeout containers. Her company uses technology to support the tracking and reuse of food containers, demonstrating how digital innovation can help turn an environmental concern into a scalable business opportunity. Participation in the Boost Camp Accelerator also contributed to a significant improvement in Adriana’s Business Health Score™.Delivering Personalized Business Education Across Communities
FedEx is also supporting entrepreneurs in Latin America and India through Ovante, a digital education platform developed by Accion. By incorporating AI-enabled learning tools, Ovante delivers tailored business guidance to microentrepreneurs, including women operating small businesses in communities with limited access to resources.- Extending access to entrepreneurship education: Ovante serves more than 130,000 users globally, with women accounting for 78% of its microentrepreneur audience. The platform currently operates in Mexico, Bolivia, and India.
- Expanding personalized coaching in Mexico: Within ten months of its introduction, Sofia, an AI-powered chatbot accessible through WhatsApp, reached more than 56,000 active users. The chatbot provides interactive guidance on essential business topics, including pricing decisions, financial management, and confidence-building. Explore Ovante .
- Supporting women entrepreneurs in rural India: FedEx and Ovante are pursuing a broader, community-focused approach to expanding access to business education. The initiative has reached 3,200 women in rural communities to date, with a target of reaching 50,000 by the end of 2027. Read more about the initiative in India .
Through these initiatives, FedEx is helping small businesses access relevant knowledge, develop digital capabilities, and explore AI-driven opportunities. By combining technology education with mentorship and practical business support, the company aims to help entrepreneurs navigate a rapidly changing commercial environment and build more resilient businesses.
Note: The two participant testimonials have been paraphrased above for stylistic consistency. If these statements are intended to remain direct quotations attributed to participants, retain the original wording and quotation marks, or obtain approval for any edited quotations. The statistics and program descriptions have been retained from your supplied text and have not been independently verified.
