Shopify 1MBB: 120-Day Free Trial Empowering Black Business

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 1MBB.

The program aims to equip black business owners with the necessary tools, resources, and education. More importantly, qualified merchants also get to enjoy the Shopify 120 day trial for black-owned businesses. This means that they can use, explore, and learn Shopify for four months without paying a dime.

In this blog post, we’ll share the latest updates on the 1MBB Shopify campaign and guide you step-by-step on how to take advantage of this incredible opportunity. This initiative is more than just a chance to grow your business – it’s a gateway to connecting with the powerful Black Business Community and fostering collective success.

Let’s get started!

What Is Shopify 1MBB?

The 1 Million Black Businesses (1MBB) initiative is a collaborative effort between Shopify and Operation HOPE, launched in October 2020, aiming to create and support one million Black-owned businesses in the United States and Canada by 2030. To understand how Shopify works, it’s crucial to note its role as a comprehensive eCommerce platform that provides tools for building, managing, and scaling online stores with ease.

According to Shopify’s president, Harry Finkelstein:

“At Shopify, we believe more independent voices make commerce better for everyone. That’s why we work to break down the barriers to entrepreneurship every day…”

Furthermore, he also said that:

“By collaborating with Operation HOPE and working together on our shared passion for helping underserved communities succeed, we believe we can help unlock even more economic opportunities for Black business owners across the country, leading to greater choices for shoppers everywhere.”

That is why the 1MBB Shopify initiative seeks to erase the barriers for black entrepreneurs by not just providing a Shopify Black Business trial, but also equipping these merchants the tools, resources, and education to help them prosper in their businesses.

Source: Operation Hope

As of December 2024, the 1MBB Shopify initiative was able to leave a substantial positive impact to black entrepreneurs:

• More than 459,000 black businesses started, supported, and engaged
• More than 50,000 coalition partner business commitments
• $26,000,000+ in small business loans funded

These numbers are truly impressive especially considering that it’s only been four years since the 1MBB started. The numbers are expected to even soar upwards in the years to come.

Benefits Of Black Owned Business From 1MBB Shopify

The Shopify Black Business trial (120 days) and its complementing programs presents life-changing opportunities and benefits to qualified merchants.

Here are the benefits of 1MBB Shopify:

Basically, there are a few things that the entrepreneurs are eligible to get access to in the 1MBB program:

Shopify + 1MBB Ecommerce Certification

The 1MBB initiative provides participants with a dedicated Shopify + 1MBB Ecommerce Certification. This certification equips Black business owners with essential e-commerce skills, enabling them to launch, manage, and scale their online stores successfully. Through structured learning, entrepreneurs gain a competitive edge in the digital market.

Additionally, the certification serves as a validation of their expertise in running a Shopify-powered store. It helps entrepreneurs build credibility with customers and partners while preparing them to confidently handle business challenges in the competitive e-commerce landscape.

Click this link to enroll in a coaching class: Operation Hope

Educational Resources

Shopify 1MBB offers robust educational resources tailored to the needs of Black entrepreneurs. These resources include webinars, step-by-step guides, and interactive workshops that focus on critical business topics like marketing, inventory management, and customer acquisition.

By accessing these tools, participants can learn actionable strategies to attract customers and optimize their online presence. This knowledge empowers business owners to thrive and ensures they can sustain long-term growth in the ever-evolving e-commerce industry.

Personalized Coaching and Mentorship

Through Shopify’s partnership with Operation HOPE, entrepreneurs receive personalized coaching and mentorship. Experienced business coaches provide one-on-one guidance, addressing challenges such as financial literacy, growth strategies, and operational efficiency.

This tailored support equips Black-owned businesses with valuable insights that are critical for success. Mentorship also helps participants stay motivated and make informed decisions as they navigate their entrepreneurial journey.

Leeway for Learning and Exploration

The Shopify Black Business trial gives entrepreneurs a 120-day extended period to explore Shopify's tools risk-free. This leeway allows them to test product ideas, design their store, and experiment with features before committing financially to the platform.

This initiative eliminates the pressure of immediate costs, giving businesses the freedom to focus on learning, refining, and building a solid foundation for long-term success. Shopify’s tools, combined with this trial, make business growth more accessible than ever.

Supportive Community

Shopify 1MBB fosters a thriving, supportive community where Black business owners can connect, collaborate, and share insights. By participating in this network, entrepreneurs gain access to peer-to-peer learning opportunities, advice, and encouragement from others on the same journey.

A strong sense of community inspires innovation, builds confidence, and allows businesses to overcome challenges collectively. It also opens doors to partnerships, helping members achieve success together.

Opportunity to Grow a Global Brand

After the Shopify 1MBB 120 days free trial, entrepreneurs would have learned all skills and tools necessary in running an online business. This priceless set of knowledge and skills empower Black-owned businesses to expand their reach globally.

With access to Shopify’s powerful e-commerce tools, entrepreneurs can create professional, scalable stores that appeal to customers worldwide. This initiative helps businesses overcome geographical barriers, offering opportunities to market their products internationally. And by leveraging Shopify’s global network, Black entrepreneurs can transform their local ventures into thriving global brands.

How To Begin With Shopify 1MBB 120 Days Free Trial

Signing up for the Shopify 1MBB 120 days free trial is easy. Just follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the Shopify 1MBB page and start a free trial

When you land to the Shopify 1MBB page, click the Start free trial button at the top-right of the screen so you can sign up.

Take note that the Shopify 1MBB is only available for entrepreneurs located in the following countries:

• United States
• Canada
• United Kingdom

Unfortunately, if you live outside the countries mentioned above, you may not sign up for a trial.

Nevertheless, you can still avail Shopify for $1 per month for 3 months.

Step 2: Fill out the forms

After clicking the Start free trial button, you will be prompted to answer some questions to ensure that you’re part of the black community.

After identifying as a member of the Black community, you’ll go through the usual Shopify sign-up forms.

You have the flexibility to select your desired sales channels, link them to your social media profiles, and choose where your business is located.

You also need to select the choices that best describe you.

And specify the type of products that you sell. If you’re not sure what to sell yet, you can choose “I’ll decide later”.

Once you have completed this questionnaire, you can proceed to log in to your Shopify online store and begin your exciting entrepreneur journey.

You don’t have to worry if you don’t have all the answers for now, You can always adjust your online store settings from your Shopify admin.

Step 3: Select a plan

Once you’ve reached your Shopify store’s dashboard, you can set up your plan by clicking on the Select a plan button.

When choosing a plan, make sure to choose a monthly plan instead of a yearly plan so you can avail the 120-day free trial for Shopify 1MBB.

Step 4: Input your payment method

After selecting a Shopify plan, you will be redirected to a page where you need to input your payment details. Confirm if all the details are accurate and click the Subscribe button to begin your Shopify 120 day trial for black-owned businesses.

How To Take Advantage Of Shopify 120 Day Trial For Black-Owned Businesses

Source: Shopify

The Shopify 120 day trial for black-owned business offers a range of opportunities that you can maximized when you qualify for the program:

• 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.

Make everyday count during the 120-day free trial of the Shopify platform. This long-enough period will allow you to become a better online entrepreneur without any financial risks. But after that, you’ll have to pay the monthly subscription.

So make sure that you learned most of the things you need t during the trial period, because once it’s over, you’ll need your full commitment to the success of your business.

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.

According to 2024 research by Lendio, only 11.3% of all businesses in the United States are Black-owned thus showing the disparity of business ownership between Black and non-Black people in the United States.

Source: Lendio

Positive Impacts Of Shopify Black Business Trial

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.

Successful Black-Owned Shopify Businesses Worth Checking Out

Are you ready to take on the world with your business idea? Take a look at these successful Black-owned business to see where your business could take you.

The Lip Bar

https://thelipbar.com/

Founded by Melissa Butler, The Lip Bar emerged from her frustration with the beauty industry's lack of diversity. Starting with lipsticks, the brand has expanded to offer a comprehensive range of vegan and cruelty-free makeup products suitable for all skin tones. Their mission is to provide beauty products that deliver maximum impact with minimal effort, challenging traditional beauty standards and promoting inclusivity.

The Lip Bar's products are available online, at their Detroit flagship store, and in Target stores across the U.S., making quality beauty accessible to a broad audience. citeturn0fetch0

Beauty Bakerie

https://www.beautybakerie.com/

Cashmere Nicole, inspired by her artistic background and experience as a makeup artist, founded Beauty Bakerie to express her creativity and bring sweetness to people's lives. The brand's motto, "Be Better, not Bitter," reflects its commitment to positivity and resilience, values that resonate with Nicole's entrepreneurial journey.

Beauty Bakerie offers a wide array of cruelty-free and vegan cosmetics, known for their high quality and unique packaging inspired by baked goods. Today, it stands as one of the most recognized Black-owned beauty companies, celebrated for its innovative products and empowering message. citeturn0fetch0

Juvia’s Place

https://www.juviasplace.com/

Chichi Eburu founded Juvia's Place to create cosmetics that cater to deep skin tones, addressing a significant gap in the beauty market. Named after her children, Juwa and Olivia, the brand began by selling makeup tools to fund the development of its richly pigmented products.

Juvia's Place is renowned for its vibrant eyeshadow palettes and complexion products that celebrate the beauty of all skin tones, particularly those often underrepresented in the industry. The brand has grown into a multi-million dollar beauty empire, empowering individuals to embrace their unique beauty. citeturn0fetch0

Partake Foods

https://partakefoods.com/

Founded by Denise Woodard, Partake Foods offers a range of allergy-friendly snacks, ensuring that everyone can enjoy delicious treats regardless of dietary restrictions. After her daughter was diagnosed with multiple food allergies, Woodard was inspired to create safe, tasty, and inclusive food options.

Partake's products are free from the top eight allergens, non-GMO, and made with simple, wholesome ingredients. The brand has gained national distribution, including partnerships with major retailers, making inclusive snacking accessible to families across the country. citeturn0fetch0

BLK & Bold

https://blkandbold.com/

As the first Black-owned nationally distributed coffee brand, BLK & Bold was founded by childhood friends Pernell Cezar and Rod Johnson. The company offers a variety of specialty coffees and teas, with a commitment to social impact by pledging 5% of profits to initiatives supporting youth in need.

BLK & Bold aims to make a difference by investing in communities and providing consumers with high-quality, ethically sourced beverages. Their products are available online and in major retailers, allowing consumers to enjoy premium beverages while contributing to positive change. citeturn0fetch0

Conclusion

Racism and systemic barriers have long created challenges for Black entrepreneurs, limiting opportunities for growth and success in the business world. The Shopify 1MBB initiative, in collaboration with Operation HOPE, aims to break down these barriers by providing Black-owned businesses with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive.

Through initiatives like the Shopify + 1MBB Ecommerce Certification, tailored educational resources, personalized mentorship, and the generous Shopify black business trial, this program empowers Black entrepreneurs to build, manage, and scale their businesses effectively. By offering a 120-day free trial and access to a supportive community, Shopify is helping participants explore, learn, and grow with confidence.

If you’ve been searching for a chance to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality, this is your opportunity. Give Shopify 1MBB a try and take advantage of the tools and mentorship designed to help you succeed.

Remember, your race should never be a barrier to achieving your goals. Every great journey begins with a single step, and Shopify is here to support you every step of the way.

Take charge of your future, embrace the resources at your fingertips, and start building the business you’ve always dreamed of. Together, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable world of entrepreneurship.