TikTok Shop has launched a new social impact initiative called SOAR Together (Supporting Our Artisans and Retailers) that is designed to help small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) advance their businesses on TikTok Shop.
“It’s important that entrepreneurs of all backgrounds on TikTok Shop feel supported in order to continue thriving in their creative and business endeavors,” said Nico Le Bourgeois, Head of TikTok Shop Operations, U.S. in a statement. “By the end of the program, we hope participating sellers and creators feel even more empowered for the endless possibilities ahead for them on TikTok Shop.”
The first two SOAR Together programs focus on supporting women- and LGBTQIA+-owned businesses, offering entrepreneurs tailored resources, mentorship and networking opportunities in partnership with leading organizations and professionals.
TikTok Shop Women-Owned Accelerator to Feature Custom Business and Marketing Courses
The Women-Owned TikTok Shop Accelerator is a six-week long program designed to support and accelerate the growth of women-owned small businesses in partnership with the Conscious Commerce Accelerator (CCA), which is led by retail and marketing industry leader Tina Wells, and the Association of Women’s Business Centers (AWBC). A total of 15 businesses will be selected to participate in the inaugural program.
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Participants will be invited to a series of custom courses hosted by CCA and AWBC on key business skills including TikTok Shop 101, sales review and forecasting, analyzing social media metrics and engaging with influencers, and profitably expanding businesses. Participants also will be invited to participate in a ceremony honoring program graduates later this year.
“I’m thrilled to join this initiative as an advisor and coach,” said Wells in a statement. “It aligns with my personal mission to help underrepresented founders get on the shelves. TikTok has proven to be an essential tool in driving awareness and sales for emerging brands, and this accelerator program provides yet another invaluable tool.”
30 LGBTQIA+ TikTok Shop Businesses to Receive StartOut Scholarships
In partnership with StartOut, a nonprofit that supports LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs, SOAR Together will distribute scholarships for StartOut’s Founders Program to 30 LGBTQIA+-owned businesses. Program participants will receive insight into how to grow and scale their business through resources, mentorship and networking opportunities, as well as membership in StartOut’s Founders Program.
