Shopify has partnered with Operation Hope to launch the 1MBB program dedicated to Black-owned Businesses. This initiative focuses on accelerating investments in entrepreneurs referred to Shopify by 1MBB.
The program aims to equip black business owners with the necessary tools, resources, and education. Not only getting Free Sources to sharpen the business skills, but all Black-owned businesses will also have opportunities to enjoy a 120-day Free Trial to thrive in their entrepreneurial endeavors to the next level.
Within this blog post, we will provide you with the latest details regarding the Shopify 1MBB campaign and offer a comprehensive walkthrough on how to benefit from this remarkable collaboration. This campaign serves as more than just a means to expand your own business. It presents an exceptional opportunity to connect with the influential Black Business Community and foster business growth big together.
What makes a business Black-owned?
A business is considered Black-owned when it is owned and operated by individuals who identify as Black or of African descent. The term "Black-owned" typically refers to businesses where the majority ownership (usually 51% or more) is held by Black individuals or a Black-owned entity.
As reported by BusinessDit, black-owned businesses represent a mere 9.75% of the total businesses in the United States in 2022. While they remain a minority, the number of black-owned businesses continues to experience annual growth.
Moreover, according to a recent study conducted by Shopify, black-owned businesses have the potential to contribute an estimated $190 billion to the economy. However, these businesses continue to encounter a disproportionate number of obstacles, including limited access to capital and traditional barriers, racism, and biases which can adversely impact their success.
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To tackle this challenge, Shopify and Operation Hope have devised the 1MBB program with the goal of fostering the creation of one million black-owned businesses by 2030. All Black-owned businesses are now encouraged to overcome the social barriers and shine bright as Shopify entrepreneurs.
What is Shopify 1MBB?
Now, let's spend the spotlight on the “1MBB” program. If you're wondering what this program is all about, how it works, and how you can sign up, you've come to the right place.
What does 1MBB stand for?
1MBB represents the abbreviation for "1 Million Black Businesses," symbolizing the collaborative program between Shopify and Operation Hope.
The initial intention is conceived with the purpose of inspiring and supporting aspiring Black entrepreneurs, the program aims to facilitate their business establishment and growth by equipping them with the essential tools, resources, and educational assistance necessary.
How does Shopify 1MBB work?
Basically, there are a few things that the entrepreneurs are eligible to get access to in the 1MBB program:
Shopify + 1MBB Ecommerce Certification
This education program includes 40 hours of Shopify-created courses, tailored to help Black-owned Entrepreneurs build and market their online stores and address the unique challenges and opportunities that they may encounter on their journey.
Follow this step-by-step guide to get started:
Step 1: Visit the 1MBB Landing Page of Shopify https://www.shopify.com/1mbb and fill in your email address, first and last name.
Step 2: After filling up your information, you will see your learning path outline like the image attracted below.
The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including store setup, product sourcing, inventory management, customer acquisition, conversion optimization, and effective marketing strategies.
Step 3: Finish this 40-hour course and you will receive the Shopify Certificate.
Below are several notable advantages that you can gain from this certification:
- Tools and knowledge to start your own business.
- Comprehensive understanding of the Shopify Partner Program.
- Official certification awarded by Shopify and the Operation Hope Organization.
Access to an exclusive community for Black Entrepreneurs
“Alone you can do little, together we can do so much” _ Helen Keller
Not only will you receive enough knowledge to scale your business from scratch to succeed, but Shopify has tailored a community, where Black business Entrepreneurs can connect, collaborate, and thrive together.
Here are some requirements for your Shopify store to keep in mind:
- Must be on a paid Shopify plan: The pauses and trials are not eligible for joining the community.
- Must be at least 50% black-owned
- Must abide by Shopify’s terms of service (https://www.shopify.com/legal/terms)
Get 120 days Free Trial from Shopify
Last but not least, these generous 120 Free trial days allow all Black-owned businesses to explore the full range of Shopify's features and functionality, without any hesitation of breaking the banks.
Here are the steps to enroll in the 120-day Free Trial of Shopify:
Step 1: Visit the landing page of Shopify 1MBB at www.shopify.com/1mbb . Once you land on the landing page, you will see there is a Call to action button “Start free Trial” on the top right corner.
Note: This trial offer is only up for grabs if you're running your business in the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom.
Step 2: By clicking the button, it will redirect you to the online survey as the image attracted below:
Since this program is dedicated to Black Entrepreneurs, you will need to identify yourself first as a member of the Black Community.
Regardless of whether you are a starter merchant or an experienced entrepreneur, the list of questions will be tailored to your unique circumstances.
You have the flexibility to select your desired sales channels, link them to your social media profiles, and choose where your business is located.
And, don’t worry, all of this information could be altered later in your Shopify Admin Dashboard.
Once you have completed this questionnaire, you can proceed to log in to your Shopify online store and begin your exciting entrepreneur journey.
Step 3: Once you reach your Shopify store's dashboard, you can set up your plan by clicking on the 'Select a plan' CTA at the end of the page (you can do this while on your free trial).
Step 4: Ensure you are on the monthly plan rather than on the yearly. At the pricing table, you could only see the 120 days Free Trial once you meet all the requirements for the Shopify 1MBB program.
Step 5: Confirm your plan and business address on the billing page and add your payment method. You can make the payment via Credit card or PayPal.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to leveraging the Shopify 1MBB 120-Day Free Trial and kickstarting your entrepreneurial journey with a powerful and reliable e-commerce solution.
How to take advantage of Shopify 1MBB 120-Day Free Trial
The 120-day Free Trial of Shopify offers a range of benefits for aspiring Black-owned Entrepreneurs:
- Extended Exploration: With a longer trial period, you have more time to fully explore Shopify's platform and features without any financial commitment.
- Comprehensive Access: Enjoy unrestricted access to Shopify's tools and resources, including website customization, product management, and payment options.
- Testing and Experimentation: Use the trial period to experiment with different strategies, products, and marketing techniques to fine-tune your business model.
- Confidence Building: Gain confidence in managing your online store, attracting customers, and optimizing sales processes during the trial period.
- Seamless Transition: If you decide to continue with Shopify, transitioning from the free trial to a paid plan is a smooth process, preserving your progress and data.
The 1MBB 120-Day Free Trial offers an extended period for you to explore and experience the full potential of Shopify's ecommerce platform. All you need to do is take this opportunity to familiarize yourself with the features, experiment with different settings, and fine-tune your store to create an outstanding online shopping experience for your customers.
What are the impacts of Shopify 1MBB?
On the economy
The impact of the Shopify 1MBB (1 Million Black Businesses) program on black-owned businesses in the United States has been nothing short of remarkable.
According to Operation Hope, with a staggering number of over 169,000 black businesses supported through 1MBB. It has also facilitated the volunteering of over 30,000 hours of professional services to black business owners, including providing access to the necessary tools, resources, and guidance.
It's clear that this program has made a significant difference in the lives of entrepreneurs from this community.
On the Black Community
This program has played a crucial role in empowering Black entrepreneurs. Here are some key ways in which the Shopify 1MBB program has positively affected the whole community
- Access to Resources: The Shopify 1MBB program has opened doors for Black entrepreneurs by granting them access to a wealth of resources. This includes educational materials, training programs, business tools, and marketing resources specific to their needs.
- Mentorship and Guidance: Through the Shopify 1MBB program, Black entrepreneurs have gained access to mentorship and guidance from Operation Hope Organization.
- Networking Opportunities: The program has created a thriving community of Black entrepreneurs, providing them with networking opportunities and a support system.
- Business Visibility: By showcasing Black entrepreneurs and their businesses, the program has helped to diversify the corporate environment and promote inclusivity
The impact of Shopify 1MBB extends far beyond individual businesses. It has helped foster a sense of community among black entrepreneurs, creating opportunities for networking, collaboration, and shared success.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Shopify 1MBB program has made a significant and positive impact on black-owned businesses in the United States. With its substantial support, including financial assistance, professional services, and a sense of community, 1MBB has been instrumental in fueling the success and growth of black entrepreneurs.
Especially with the generous 120-day Free Trial, the program continues to make a difference, empowering black business owners to achieve their goals, pursue their dreams, and contribute to the vibrant and diverse business landscape.
