Akron, OH, once known as the Rubber Capital of the World, has experienced economic decline characteristic of many cities in the Rust Belt. The city’s struggle to reinvent itself has become more challenging with a national trend: stores are closing in record numbers year over year.
Finding that their small business owners were eager to sell online, but lacked the proper education and resources, Akron partnered with eBay to pilot Retail Revival – a 12-month program of intensive training and concierge support to help local small businesses go global. In three months, businesses have sold to 49 countries around the world.
In this session, hear how new public-private partnerships can spur geographic inclusion in an ever-changing global economy.

Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.