E-commerce company Amazon has announced a grant to enable entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities to participate in its Delivery Service Partner (DSP) program in India.

DSP helps entrepreneurs start their own delivery business by giving them access to Amazon's delivery technology and hands-on training. It also offers exclusively negotiated deals on services such as payroll, insurance, and recruiting technology.

Amazon said it has pledged nearly $7 million worldwide to support hundreds of entrepreneurs through various grant programs. A diversity grant helps women, people with disabilities and people from the LGBTQIA+ community to cover some of the costs of setting up a business. Those without prior logistics experience can apply for the scholarship and participate in the program.

“The DSP program has not only helped Amazon provide growth opportunities for SMBs, but it has also enabled us to expand our delivery network into the hinterland of the country,” said Dr. Karuna Shankar Pande, Director of Amazon Logistics, India. a special grant to women and other underrepresented communities participating in the program to develop the entrepreneurship ecosystem in logistics.”

In 2021, Amazon expanded the DSP program in India to support aspiring entrepreneurs in developing and launching their delivery services even if they had no previous delivery expertise. Amazon India has more than 350 entrepreneurs participating in the program.