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eBay Announces Fifth Annual Up & Running Grants Recipients

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eBay awards $500,000 and technology stipends to boost economic success for 50 U.S. sellers

SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — eBay Inc. today announced the recipients of its fifth annual Up & Running Grants, a program established in 2020 to further eBay’s mission of creating economic opportunity for all and investing in small business growth.

This year, eBay selected 50 U.S. sellers to each receive $10,000, plus training and mentorship, to help strengthen and grow their businesses. In addition to these grants, finalists will also receive a $500 stipend to equip themselves with essential business technology and tools from eBay Refurbished.

eBay received its largest and most diverse pool of Up & Running applicants to date, with over 18,000 submissions. Additionally, this year’s candidates included 19% more early-stage entrepreneurs compared to last year — emphasizing eBay’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and small businesses.

“Entrepreneurship is at the heart of eBay. We have always been committed to empowering small business owners and providing the tools they need to be successful,” said Dawn Block, VP & GM, U.S. Market & Global Selling, eBay, eBay U.S. “We are honored and excited to be a part of the growth journey for this year’s Up & Running Grants recipients, and cannot wait to see how they continue to pursue their business goals.”

Meet eBay’s Class of 2024 Up & Running Grantees:

Hawken Carlton, Carlton Carnivores, Platteville, COAndrew Gunthorp, B&B Auto Parts, LaGrange, INTaylor Fierro, Lethal Performance, Ridgewood, NJAnthony Petitti, Verified Sneaks, Ocala, FLKathryn Bucklin, 6bucks, Avondale, AZRickie Miller, Kriss Kross Wigs, Long Beach, CACaitlin Nugent, Unaparts Inc, Bethany, CTJennifer LaValle, Peg Hunted Treasures, Jefferson, GAPaula Johnson, Theroadnottaken1, Marshalltown, IADanielle Merk, Fronitier Legacy LLC, Maryville, ILDee Sweeney, Pink Streak Market, Alexandria, KYChristopher II Clegg, Cleggsclassics, Herculaneum, MOAmanda Rowland, KrazyKatCollections, Charlotte, NCIuliana Jaloba, Ridalshop LLC, Matthews, NCKimberly Blake, Sandwood Selections, Grand Forks, NDKaylie Helwig, ThriftyMoves, Akron, OHPatricia Stephens, Trash_Pandas_Imporium, Midwest City, OKTara Stine, Fuzzy Loops, York, PADevon Wallis, Seek Optics, Wilkes-Barre, PATracey Inventor, Treasures4u2000, Ardmore, PAAdriana Rebicki Bamvakiades, ARBA Shop, The Woodlands, TXGladis Diaz, Shinning Star X’s Boutique, Houston, TXJames Idell, Maridells, Land O’ Lakes, FLWalter Roberts, The Buying Spot, Macon, GAJonathan Copeland, Vino Club Vintage, DeSoto, TXEduard Gutierrez, BoosterBuddyTCG, Galveston, TXCraig Kraut, Hype Stew Sneakers LLC, Warren, MIKyung Kye, LikeNewGizmos, Columbia Heights, MNYelena Roslaya, Art Play Design, Vancouver, WAJaneen Wagner, Stellarsell57, Warden, WAPeyton Williams, Peywill68, Miami, FLSergey Polukhin, Selforfun, Myrtle Beach, SCKevin Ludwig, South4thStreet, Central Point, ORKayne Weaver, SoDak Surplus, North Sioux City, SDHabib Ur-Rehman, AbdAllahemart.Inc, Elk Grove , CAMelissa Philbrook, Melissa Philbrook Art, Kelso, WAOrlando Fernandez, Prime Medical Express, Miami, FLKatie Herres, Foragers Path, New London, WIChristopher Alas, Shop Uniquely, Port Charlotte, FLEnrique Gonzales, 1Swing Sports, Rowlett, TXMichael Lytle, Mike’s Antiques Collectibles n More, Weirton, WVRandall Beatty, Drake279, Steens, MSIsaac Allen, Allen Arbitrage, Augusta, MEAndrew Fuke, Mad Finds Shop, Lyndhurst, OHTony Vo, TheTvoShop, Newark, CAAlex Grecu, ACF Motorsports, Gilbert, AZSimon Domfeh, f2 GROUP LLC, Houston, TXJeremy Noble, Thermal Acquisitions, Jackson, KYShoute Huang, Sealingtek Inc, Walnut, CAVirginia Charles, Vrod’s Closet, Pearland, TX

See the 2024 winners in this video HERE.

eBay’s support of small business
eBay’s small businesses consistently report that eBay provides economic opportunity and empowerment. This year saw a 162% increase in Up & Running Grant applications across a diverse range of small business sellers, underscoring eBay’s mission to grow its small businesses. Since 2020, Up & Running Grant recipients – ranging from collectibles, art and electronics – have leveraged grant funds to invest in crucial areas of their businesses, to build their business and foster growth.

About the Up & Running Grants Program
Since its introduction in 2020, eBay’s annual Up & Running Grants program has received more than 60,000 applications from entrepreneurs sharing details of their businesses ambitions and growth goals. Following a comprehensive review, 50 sellers are chosen annually to each receive $10,000 in cash, direct training, Q&A sessions and mentorship from eBay. This year, eBay is also offering recipients a stipend worth $500 each, which sellers can use to equip themselves with essential office technology from eBay Refurbished. All applicants of the Up & Running Grants program are offered access to mentorship and resources on Hello Alice, a free, multichannel platform that helps businesses launch and grow.

About eBay
eBay Inc. (Nasdaq: EBAY) is a global commerce leader that connects people and builds communities to create economic opportunity for all. Our technology empowers millions of buyers and sellers in more than 190 markets around the world, providing everyone the opportunity to grow and thrive. Founded in 1995 in San Jose, California, eBay is one of the world’s largest and most vibrant marketplaces for discovering great value and unique selection. In 2023, eBay enabled more than $73 billion of gross merchandise volume. For more information about the company and its global portfolio of online brands, visit www.ebayinc.com

About Hello Alice
Hello Alice is a financial technology serving more than 1.5 million small business owners in all fifty states. Hello Alice is committed to equitable access to capital and to supporting any entrepreneur with a good idea, especially those in the New Majority. Hello Alice offers funding, education, tools, and curated opportunities. Working with enterprise business services, ecosystem partners, affiliates, and government agencies, Hello Alice provides its growing community with everything they need to grow their businesses. To learn more, visit www.helloalice.com, as well as Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

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SOURCE eBay Inc.

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BCE reports results of Series S and T preferred share conversions

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MONTRÉAL, Oct. 19, 2026 /CNW/ — BCE Inc. (TSX: BCE) (NYSE: BCE) today announced that 400 of its 4,798,333 fixed-rate Cumulative Redeemable First Preferred Shares, Series T (“Series T Preferred Shares”) have been tendered for conversion on November 2, 2026, on a one-for-one basis, into floating-rate Cumulative Redeemable First Preferred Shares, Series S (“Series S Preferred Shares”). In addition, 676,765 of its 1,866,877 Series S Preferred Shares have been tendered for conversion on November 2, 2026, on a one-for-one basis, into Series T Preferred Shares. Consequently, on November 2, 2026, BCE will have 5,474,698 Series T Preferred Shares and 1,190,512 Series S Preferred Shares issued and outstanding. The Series T Preferred Shares and the Series S Preferred Shares will continue to be listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols BCE.PR.T and BCE.PR.S, respectively.

The Series T Preferred Shares will pay on a quarterly basis, for the five-year period beginning on November 2, 2026, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of BCE, a fixed cash dividend based on an annual fixed dividend rate of 5.523%.

The Series S Preferred Shares will continue to pay a monthly floating adjustable cash dividend for the five-year period beginning on November 2, 2026, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of BCE. The monthly floating adjustable dividend for any particular month will continue to be calculated based on the prime rate for such month and using the Designated Percentage for such month representing the sum of an adjustment factor (based on the market price of the Series S Preferred Shares in the preceding month) and the Designated Percentage for the preceding month.

About BCE
BCE is Canada’s largest communications company1, leading the way in advanced fibre and wireless networks, enterprise services and digital media. By delivering next-generation technology that leverages cloud-based and AI-driven solutions, we’re keeping customers connected, informed and entertained while enabling businesses to compete on the world stage. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca.

1 Based on total revenue and total combined customer connections.

Media inquiries:
Ellen Murphy
media@bell.ca

Investor inquiries:
Krishna Somers
krishna.somers@bell.ca

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bce-reports-results-of-series-s-and-t-preferred-share-conversions-302913268.html

SOURCE BCE Inc.

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3M announces collaboration with GSEO to advance Expanded Beam Optical manufacturing and development

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ST. PAUL, Minn., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 3M (NYSE: MMM) today announced a collaboration with Genius Electronic Optical Co., Ltd. (GSEO, Taiwan: 3406), an optical technology company, to advance technology development and manufacturing for 3M’s Expanded Beam Optical (EBO) solutions. In support of these efforts, 3M expects to make a strategic investment to acquire approximately 4.7% of GSEO’s common shares as part of the company’s private placement of newly issued shares, subject to customary closing conditions.

The collaboration brings together 3M’s EBO technology leadership, optical interconnect expertise, materials science, manufacturing scale and customer relationships with GSEO’s precision optics manufacturing capabilities and production scale. Together, the companies aim to support EBO commercialization and long-term capacity expansion to meet growing demand from hyperscale data centers and other advanced connectivity applications.

“3M is investing in capabilities and partnerships that can accelerate innovation for our customers,” said William Brown, 3M Chairman and CEO. “By selecting GSEO as a manufacturing partner and investing in the company, we are strengthening the path to scale next-generation optical connectivity solutions for high-performance data center infrastructure.”

GSEO’s existing precision optics manufacturing capabilities and technical development experience are expected to support manufacturing readiness for 3M’s EBO ferrules, co-packaged optics solutions and related optical interconnect applications. The collaboration is part of 3M’s broader EBO ecosystem strategy, which includes continued work with customers and partners across the optical interconnect market.

“GSEO is pleased to expand its relationship with 3M as we work together to advance optical interconnect solutions for next-generation data center infrastructure,” said Micro Kuo, GSEO CEO and President. “This collaboration brings together complementary technology and manufacturing strengths to support continued innovation and help meet the performance demands of high-growth connectivity markets.”

3M expects the strategic investment to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this release are considered “forward-looking statements” under the federal securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and are intended to enjoy the protection of those laws. Forward-looking statements may appear throughout this release and are typically identified by the words “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “evaluate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “goal,” “guidance,” “impact,” “initial,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “outlook,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “probable,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “strategy,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and other words that are similar to, or have the opposite meanings of, those words. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, 3M assumes no duty to update those statements, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of those statements. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events and trends that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those described in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of 3M’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025.

About 3M
3M (NYSE: MMM) is focused on transforming industries around the world by applying science and creating innovative, customer-focused solutions. Our multi-disciplinary team is working to solve tough customer problems by leveraging diverse technology platforms, differentiated capabilities, global footprint, and operational excellence. Discover how 3M is shaping the future at 3M.com/news.

Contacts
3M
Investor Contact:
Diane Farrow, 612-202-2449
Media Contact:
3MNews@mmm.com 

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SOURCE 3M Company

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Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers Announces Second Annual Operation Fur-Ever Home Pet Adoption Event at Lafreniere Park

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NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers is excited to announce the return of its second annual Operation Fur-Ever Home, a free community pet adoption event taking place on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Lafreniere Park in Metairie, Louisiana.

The free, family-friendly event will give attendees the opportunity to meet adoptable pets from local animal shelters, learn about responsible pet ownership, and potentially welcome a new furry companion into their homes. Those who preregister for the event will also be entered for a chance to win a Soundcore speaker and a free pet adoption.

“Last year’s event was everything we hoped it would be, and we are incredibly excited to bring Operation Fur-Ever Home back for a second year,” said David Vicknair, founding partner of Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers. “There is something special about watching a family meet a pet that could become part of their lives for years to come. We wanted to create another opportunity to make those connections while supporting the organizations that work tirelessly to care for animals in our community.”

Building on the success of the first event, this year’s event continues the firm’s commitment to supporting local animal shelters and creating meaningful opportunities for families throughout Southeast Louisiana.

“Giving back to our community has always been an important part of who we are as a firm,” said Vicknair. “Whether we are helping students prepare for school, recognizing deserving teachers, or supporting local animal shelters, our goal is to make a positive difference in the communities we serve.”

Operation Fur-Ever Home is free and open to the public. Families, animal lovers, and anyone interested in adopting a pet are encouraged to attend and preregister.

About Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers

Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers is a New Orleans-based personal injury firm committed to providing exceptional legal representation while also investing in the communities it serves. Their experienced team of dedicated attorneys specializes in car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death cases in New Orleans. With diverse personal and professional backgrounds, they craft legal strategies tailored to each client’s specific case and needs.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/scott-vicknair-personal-injury-lawyers-announces-second-annual-operation-fur-ever-home-pet-adoption-event-at-lafreniere-park-302913183.html

SOURCE Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers

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