Shopify has taken a bold step to support Black entrepreneurs through its 1MBB initiative. This program aims to create one million Black-owned businesses by 2030, offering tools, resources, and support to help these entrepreneurs thrive.
Along with that, eligible businesses can take advantage of the exclusive 120-day free trial on their selected plans.
Let’s explore what Shopify 1MBB is all about and how it’s making a difference.
What Is Shopify 1MBB?
1MBB stands for “1 Million Black Businesses,” a partnership between Shopify and Operation HOPE. The program’s goal is to foster Black entrepreneurship and create a more equitable business environment.
By providing Black entrepreneurs with the tools and resources they need to succeed in the digital economy, Shopify 1MBB is addressing systemic barriers and empowering a new generation of business owners.
Key Features Of The 1MBB Program
The Shopify 1MBB program offers several key features designed to support Black entrepreneurs:
- Extended Free Trial: One of the most significant benefits is a 120-day free trial of Shopify, giving entrepreneurs ample time to explore the platform and set up their online stores without financial pressure.
- Educational Resources: The program includes a 40-hour Shopify + 1MBB E-commerce Certification course, covering essential aspects of building and marketing an online store.
- Community Support: Participants gain access to a supportive community of Black entrepreneurs, fostering networking and collaboration.
- Tools and Resources: The program provides various tools and resources specifically tailored to help Black-owned businesses succeed in the digital marketplace.
Eligibility Criteria For Shopify 1MBB
To participate in the Shopify 1MBB program, businesses must meet the following criteria:
- Your business should be at least 50% Black-owned
- Be based in the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom
- Abide by Shopify’s terms of service
- Be on a paid Shopify plan (trials and pauses are not qualified for joining the community)
How To Join The Shopify 1MBB Program?
If your business meets the criteria I have listed above, you can follow these steps to join the Shopify 1MBB program:
Step 1. Visit the official Shopify 1MBB page.
Step 2. Click on the “Start free trial” button
Step 3. Fill out the online form to identify as a Black community member.
Step 4. Next, set up your Shopify account by entering your email and password. Soon, you will land on the dashboard.
Step 5. Select your preferred Shopify pricing plan to activate your 120-day free trial
Step 6. Finally, enter your card details to activate the free trial and join the Shopify 1MBB program.
Benefits Of Participating In Shopify 1MBB
The Shopify 1MBB program offers numerous benefits to Black entrepreneurs:
1. Extended Exploration Period
With a 120-day free trial, entrepreneurs have more time to fully explore Shopify’s features and functionality. This extended period allows for thorough testing and experimentation without financial commitment.
2. Comprehensive Access To Tools
Participants enjoy unrestricted access to Shopify’s suite of tools and resources. This includes website customization options, product management tools, and various payment solutions.
3. Educational Empowerment
The Shopify + 1MBB Ecommerce Certification program provides valuable education tailored specifically for Black entrepreneurs. This curriculum covers crucial aspects of running an online business, from store setup to marketing strategies.
4. Supportive Community
The program connects participants with a network of fellow Black entrepreneurs. This community offers opportunities for collaboration, support, and shared learning experiences.
5. Confidence Building
As entrepreneurs familiarize themselves with the platform during the trial period, they can build confidence in managing their online stores, attracting customers, and optimizing sales processes.
6. Seamless Transition
If entrepreneurs decide to continue with Shopify after the trial, transitioning to a paid plan is smooth and preserves all progress and data.
Making The Most Of The 120-Day Free Trial
To maximize the benefits of the Shopify 1MBB 120-day free trial, entrepreneurs should:
- Thoroughly explore all features and tools offered by the platform
- Experiment with different store designs and layouts
- Test various product offerings and pricing strategies
- Implement and refine marketing techniques
- Engage with the community for support and advice
- Complete the Shopify + 1MBB E-commerce Certification program
Challenges Faced By Black-owned Businesses
Despite the progress made, Black-owned businesses still face several challenges:
- Access to Capital
Many Black entrepreneurs struggle to secure funding from traditional sources like banks and venture capital firms. This can be due to various factors, including historical disparities and systemic biases.
- Systemic Discrimination
Black business owners may encounter discrimination in various aspects of business, from securing loans to accessing networking opportunities.
- Limited Resources
Due to historical inequalities, many Black entrepreneurs start with fewer resources, making it harder to invest in marketing, technology, and infrastructure.
- Racial Bias and Prejudice
Some Black business owners face prejudice from customers, suppliers, or business partners, which can negatively impact their operations and growth.
- Legal and Regulatory Barriers
Complex regulations and licensing requirements can be particularly burdensome for small Black-owned businesses with limited resources.
- Cultural Stigma
Societal biases and stereotypes can create additional hurdles for Black entrepreneurs seeking to establish and grow their businesses.
How Shopify 1MBB Addresses These Challenges
The Shopify 1MBB program tackles these challenges in several ways:
- Providing affordable access to e-commerce tools and resources
- Offering education and training to build business skills
- Creating a supportive community to combat isolation and provide networking opportunities
- Increasing visibility for Black-owned businesses through the Shopify platform
- Offering an extended free trial to reduce initial financial barriers
Success Stories From Shopify 1MBB
The Shopify 1MBB initiative has already made a significant impact on the Black business community. Here are a few success stories:
Founded by Arnika, Loaded Juice offers healthy and delicious juice products. Through the Shopify 1MBB program, Arnika was able to create a thriving online store, effectively manage inventory, and implement successful marketing campaigns.
Co-founded by Melissa Butler, The Lip Bar disrupted the beauty industry by creating products for all skin tones. Using Shopify’s tools and resources, Melissa built a robust online presence and effectively marketed her inclusive beauty brand.
Started by Justina Blakeney, Jungalow began as a plant-centric living room blog and has grown into a successful lifestyle brand. The company uses Shopify to offer a wide range of products, from planters to wallpaper, inspiring customers to embrace their unique style.
Conclusion: Get Access To Tons Of Resources And A 120-day Free Trial With Shopify 1MBB Program
Shopify 1MBB represents a significant step toward addressing systemic barriers and empowering Black entrepreneurs. By providing tools, resources, education, and community support, the program is helping to create a more inclusive and diverse business landscape.
The extended 120-day free trial offers a unique opportunity for Black entrepreneurs to explore e-commerce without immediate financial pressure. Combined with the educational resources and community support, this program is setting the stage for a new generation of successful Black-owned businesses.
Whether you’re a Black entrepreneur looking to start or grow your business or an ally wanting to support diverse businesses, the Shopify 1MBB program offers valuable resources and opportunities. As we work towards the goal of one million Black-owned businesses, each success story brings us closer to a more inclusive and vibrant economic landscape.
