In the dynamic landscape of e-commerce, every business strives to provide a seamless and efficient online shopping experience. Shopify, a leading e-commerce platform, has introduced a groundbreaking initiative known as 1MBB (1 Million Black Businesses) to not only accelerate the digital presence of businesses but also to empower and uplift Black entrepreneurs. In this blog post, we’ll explore how Shopify’s 1MBB is not only about boosting your e-commerce speed but also contributing to the growth of a diverse and thriving business community.
What is a Black-Owned Business?
A Black-owned business refers to a business that is owned, operated, and controlled by individuals who identify as Black or African American. This ownership extends to having a significant percentage of the business being owned by Black individuals, often with the majority ownership belonging to people of Black descent.
Black-owned businesses can operate in various industries and sectors, including retail, technology, services, manufacturing, and more. These businesses contribute to the economic development of their communities and play a crucial role in fostering diversity and inclusion within the business world.
The significance of Black-owned businesses goes beyond their economic impact. They often serve as sources of inspiration and empowerment within the Black community, providing opportunities for entrepreneurship, job creation, and community development. Supporting Black-owned businesses is one way to contribute to economic equality and promote diversity in the business landscape. Many consumers actively seek out and support Black-owned businesses to contribute to the empowerment of underrepresented communities.
Empowering Black Entrepreneurs
Shopify’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion is exemplified through the 1MBB initiative. The program aims to support and enable one million Black-owned businesses by providing them with the tools and resources needed to thrive in the digital space. By leveraging the power of technology, Shopify is breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for Black entrepreneurs to succeed in the competitive world of e-commerce.
Benefits of Shopify 1MBB’s 120-day free trial
Shopify’s 1MBB (1 Million Black Businesses) initiative offers a 120-day free trial to Black-owned businesses. This extended trial period comes with several benefits that can significantly impact the growth and success of these businesses. Here are some key advantages:
Extended Onboarding Period
The 120-day free trial allows Black-owned businesses more time for onboarding and familiarizing themselves with the Shopify platform. This extended period is particularly beneficial for those who may be new to e-commerce or are transitioning from other platforms.
Reduced Initial Costs
Starting and operating an online store comes with various costs, including platform fees, transaction fees, and marketing expenses. The 120-day free trial provides a financial reprieve for Black-owned businesses, allowing them to allocate resources to other critical aspects of their operations during the initial setup phase.
Comprehensive Testing
Black-owned businesses can thoroughly test the features and functionalities of the Shopify platform over an extended period. This allows them to assess whether Shopify meets their specific needs and requirements before committing to a paid plan.
Strategic Planning
The extended trial period gives businesses more time to strategically plan and launch their online stores. This includes developing marketing strategies, optimizing product listings, and creating a compelling online presence—all essential components for a successful e-commerce venture.
Access to Premium Features
During the 120-day trial, Black-owned businesses have access to Shopify’s premium features, which may include advanced analytics, customizable themes, and additional e-commerce tools. This allows them to experience the full range of capabilities that Shopify offers without immediate financial commitment.
Customer Acquisition Time
Building an online customer base takes time, and the 120-day free trial provides Black-owned businesses with an extended period to attract and engage customers. This is crucial for establishing brand loyalty and generating initial sales.
Educational Resources
Shopify offers a wealth of educational resources, tutorials, and support during the trial period. Black-owned businesses can take advantage of these resources to enhance their understanding of e-commerce best practices, marketing strategies, and the Shopify platform itself.
Flexibility for Seasonal Businesses
For businesses that operate seasonally or have specific peak periods, the 120-day free trial offers flexibility. It allows them to align their trial period with their business cycles, ensuring they can make the most of the trial during high-demand seasons.
Community and Networking Opportunities
The extended trial period provides Black entrepreneurs with more time to engage with the Shopify community, connect with other business owners, and access mentorship opportunities. Networking within the Shopify ecosystem can contribute to long-term success and collaboration.
How to Get a 120-Day Free Trial of Shopify 1MBB?
Step 1: Visit the Shopify 1MBB page using the following URL
Step 2: Click on the Start free trial button from the top right corner of your screen.
Step 3: You will be redirected to the survey. Here, give your identification as a member of the Black community.
Step 4: You will be asked a few questions
Select your sales channels
Select your selling type
Add your business location
Once you complete the survey, you can log in to the Shopify dashboard. You can start selling now by setting up your company information.
In Summary
The 120-day free trial offered as part of Shopify’s 1MBB initiative provides Black-owned businesses with a valuable opportunity to explore and leverage the Shopify platform, reduce initial costs, and strategically plan their entry into the competitive world of e-commerce. This initiative reflects Shopify’s commitment to supporting the growth and success of Black entrepreneurs in the digital marketplace.
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Happy Reading!