Shopify’s 1 Million Black Businesses (1MBB) program, in partnership with Operation HOPE, is here to help Black entrepreneurs thrive in the digital world. With a generous 120-day free trial, you get a real chance to explore Shopify’s powerful e-commerce tools without any pressure.
But it’s more than just a free trial; the program offers personalized coaching, educational content, and a supportive community that’s all about helping your business grow.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about 1MBB, from how to qualify and the benefits you get to tips on making the most of the trial. We’ll also cover how you can earn the Shopify 1MBB eCommerce Certification and what that means for your Black-owned business.
If you’re ready to take your business online or boost what you’ve already started, this guide will help you get there with confidence.
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: Participants receive a 120-day free trial by selecting a paid plan during signup.
- Educational Resources: Access to Shopify webinars and a dedicated learning path for online business fundamentals.
- Community Support: Applicants gain opportunities for mentoring, coaching, and peer networking.
- Tools and Resources: Full access to Shopify features during the trial period, including storefront setup, payments, and marketing tools.
Eligibility Criteria For Shopify 1MBB
To participate in the Shopify 1MBB program, businesses must meet the following criteria:
- Your business should be at least 51% Black-owned
- Be based in the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom
- Abide by Shopify’s terms of service
- Must select a paid Shopify plan to activate the free trial; community membership is offered after signup.
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.
Shopify 1MBB Costs – What to Expect After Your Free Trial
One of the biggest perks of the Shopify 1MBB program is the 120-day free trial, which gives you plenty of time to explore everything Shopify offers, way longer than the usual trial period most users get. During these four months, you can build, test, and fine-tune your online store without paying a dime.
After your extended trial ends, you’ll need to pick one of Shopify’s regular subscription plans to keep your store running. Here’s a quick look at the pricing as of 2025 (note that prices can vary, so it’s always a good idea to check Shopify’s official site for the latest info):
| Plan | Monthly Cost (Monthly Billing) | Monthly Cost (Annual Billing) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $39 | $29 |
| Grow | $105 | $79 |
| Advanced | $399 | $299 |
Choosing the right plan depends on your business size and needs, but this breakdown should give you a clear idea of what to expect once your trial period wraps up.
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:
- Loaded Juice
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.
- The Lip Bar
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.
- Jungalow
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.
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Final Thoughts – How Shopify 1MBB is Transforming Black-Owned Businesses
Shopify 1MBB is more than a program, it’s a powerful movement designed to uplift and empower Black entrepreneurs in the digital world. With its generous 120-day free trial, expert resources, and a supportive community, it’s breaking barriers and creating opportunities for a more inclusive e-commerce future.
Whether you’re launching your first online store or scaling an existing business, Shopify 1MBB provides the tools, guidance, and network to help you succeed and grow.
Take advantage of this unique chance to build your brand and make your entrepreneurial vision a reality!
