Shopify 1mbb (120 Day Free Trial For 1 Million Black Businesses)

My content is reader-supported by awesome people like you. Which means I could earn a commission. Learn more here!

What if you could launch your online store today without any upfront costs?

Be ok with that?

Shopify’s 1MBB (One Million Black Businesses) 120 Free Trial is more than just a test run;

it’s a game-changing opportunity to build, scale, and succeed in e-commerce with expert support.

If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur ready to take the leap, this is your moment.

Will go over exactly what it is so you can get started with this program.

Let’s dive into how Shopify’s 1MBB initiative can set you up for long-term success!

Feature	Shopify 1MBB Plan
Program Overview	The Shopify 1MBB initiative, in partnership with Operation HOPE, aims to support the creation and growth of one million Black-owned businesses by 2030. Participants receive a 120-day free trial of Shopify’s platform, along with access to educational resources and a supportive community.
Eligibility	Business must be at least 50% Black-owned. Located in the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom. Compliance with Shopify’s terms of service.
Free Trial Details	Duration: 120 days (4 Months) and no code needed. Full access to Shopify’s features without charges during the trial period. Opportunity to set up and launch an online store without initial financial pressure.
Educational Resources	Access to the Shopify + 1MBB Ecommerce Certification program. 40 hours of courses covering e-commerce principles, store setup, digital marketing, inventory management, and customer service. Certification upon completion, demonstrating proficiency in e-commerce.
Community Support	Access to a network of Black entrepreneurs and mentors. Opportunities for networking, collaboration, and shared learning. Participation in events and workshops tailored to Black-owned businesses.
Post-Trial Pricing	After the 120-day free trial, participants can choose from Shopify’s standard pricing plans: Basic Shopify: $29/month (billed annually). Shopify: $79/month (billed annually). Advanced Shopify: $299/month (billed annually). Note: Prices change; refer to Shopify’s official website for the most current information.
Key Features	Comprehensive e-commerce platform with customizable templates. Secure payment processing with Shopify Payments. Inventory and order management tools. Marketing and SEO features to drive traffic and sales. Mobile-responsive design for on-the-go accessibility.
Pros	Extended 120-day free trial provides ample time to establish an online store. Access to specialized educational resources and certification. Supportive community fostering networking and mentorship. Scalable plans to accommodate business growth.
Cons	Post-trial subscription fees may be a consideration for some businesses. Eligibility limited to Black-owned businesses in specific regions.
How to Enroll	Visit the official Shopify 1MBB page. Click on the “Start free trial” button.

Table of Contents

What Is The Shopify 1MBB Program?

Before delving into the specifics of the 1MBB program, it’s essential to comprehend the broader context.

Black-owned businesses comprise approximately 9.75% of all U.S. businesses.

Despite representing a dynamic and integral segment of the entrepreneurial landscape, these entities often face disproportionate challenges, such as limited access to capital, systemic racism, and other societal barriers that hinder their growth and sustainability.

How To Begin With Shopify 1MBB 120 Days Free Trial

Go to the Shopify 1Mbb Page and select a free trial

Use either “Start Free Trial” button

Once that’s select start filling out the form

Also may get this too

Once you’re in you’re able to select the plan and get started

Now, from here you should be given the option for the Shopify 1MBB plan or the $1 a month for 3 months.

Just keep in mind you may have to chat them if not seeing the Shopify 1MBB plan

Black Owned Shopify Business Case Studies

FreeTheRoots: Enhancing Financial Efficiency and Profit Margins with Shopify’s Financial Solutions

In 2018, Josh Thompson and his brothers launched FreeTheRoots, a brand rooted in their Jamaican heritage, aiming to promote natural hairstyles and serve their community.

Leveraging a strong social media presence, they transitioned to an online store using Shopify to meet the growing demand for their products.

Challenges in Financial Operations

Despite their success, FreeTheRoots faced significant financial hurdles:

Delayed Access to Funds: The company experienced delays of up to six days to access payouts from sales, hindering their ability to purchase ingredients in bulk and affecting profit margins.
Limited Capital for Expansion: The need for additional funds to manage inventory and scale operations became increasingly pressing.

Solutions Implemented with Shopify

To overcome these challenges, FreeTheRoots adopted several of Shopify’s financial tools:

Shopify Balance: This feature provided faster access to sales revenue, reducing the waiting period from up to six days to as little as six hours.
Shopify Capital: By securing financing through Shopify Capital, FreeTheRoots obtained the necessary funds to stock up for peak seasons and invest in business growth.

Results Achieved

The integration of Shopify’s financial solutions led to notable improvements:

Enhanced Cash Flow: Quicker access to funds enabled bulk purchasing, improving profit margins by up to 3%.
Operational Efficiency: The user-friendly interface of Shopify Balance saved the team up to eight hours per week in managing transactions and financial reconciliations.
Business Expansion: With additional capital, FreeTheRoots expanded their warehouse space and increased their workforce, positioning the company for sustained growth.

By leveraging Shopify’s comprehensive financial tools, FreeTheRoots not only streamlined their financial operations but also set the stage for continued success in the natural hair care industry.

The Genesis of Shopify’s 1MBB Initiative

In collaboration with Operation Hope, Shopify launched the 1MBB program with a laudable goal:

To catalyze the creation and growth of one million Black-owned businesses by 2030.

This initiative is not only about offering a 120-day free trial of Shopify’s comprehensive eCommerce platform but also about equipping Black entrepreneurs with the necessary tools, resources, and knowledge to succeed.

The Program’s Structure and Offerings

The core of the 1MBB initiative is its multi-faceted approach to supporting Black-owned businesses:

Extended Free Trial: A remarkable aspect of the program is the 120-day free trial period on Shopify. This extended timeframe allows entrepreneurs to explore the platform’s vast functionalities, from store setup to inventory management, without the immediate pressure of subscription fees.
Educational Resources: Participants gain access to 40 hours of Shopify-created courses aimed specifically at addressing the unique challenges Black entrepreneurs face. These courses cover crucial topics such as marketing strategies, customer acquisition, and conversion optimization. Completing this comprehensive curriculum bestows not only a wealth of practical eCommerce knowledge but also an official Shopify certification.
Community Support: Recognizing the power of community, the initiative facilitates connections between Black entrepreneurs, providing a supportive network for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and mutual growth.

Having personally explored the offerings of the 1MBB program, I can attest to its thoughtful design and potential impact.

The educational content is not merely generic eCommerce advice but is tailored to address specific challenges, employing real-world examples and actionable strategies.

Try Shopify Free

Steps to Leverage the 1MBB Program

Enrolling in the program is straightforward but requires attention to detail to ensure you fully capitalize on the opportunities it presents:

Sign Up: Start by visiting the Shopify 1MBB landing page and entering your details. The process is intuitive, guiding you through each step.
Dive into Learning: With your enrollment, immerse yourself in the educational materials provided. The quality of the courses is exceptional, offering insights that extend beyond mere theory into practical, applicable knowledge.
Engage with the Community: Do not underestimate the value of the community aspect. Engaging with fellow entrepreneurs offers unique perspectives and opens up avenues for collaboration.
Maximize the Trial Period: Use the 120-day trial to its fullest extent. Experiment with different store setups, product offerings, and marketing tactics. This period is invaluable for fine-tuning your business model without the immediate financial burden.

Successful Black Owned Shopify Business Examples

Beauty Bakerie

Using a theme titled Kikstart Ecom Final Theme

Beauty Bakerie is a cosmetics brand dedicated to offering high-quality, cruelty-free, vegan-friendly, and gluten-free beauty products.

Founded in 2011 by Cashmere Nicole, the company is committed to creating inclusive products that cater to a diverse range of skin tones and types.

Their product lineup includes long-lasting lipsticks known as Lip Whips, setting powders, eyeshadows, and skincare items, all designed to enhance natural beauty while maintaining ethical standards.

Beyond cosmetics, Beauty Bakerie is recognized for its philanthropic efforts, notably the Sugar Homes initiative, which supports orphans in need.

Embodying the motto “Activists in Makeup,” the brand strives to make the world a sweeter place through beauty, culture, and positive change.

Impact on the Economy and the Black Community

The Shopify 1MBB program’s effects ripple out beyond individual entrepreneurs, contributing to the broader economy and specifically bolstering the Black community.

By supporting the creation and growth of Black-owned businesses, the initiative aids in closing the racial wealth gap, fostering innovation, and creating jobs.

The sense of empowerment and opportunity it provides cannot be overstated, offering a tangible path to success for many who might have felt it out of reach.

Try Shopify Free

FAQ Section For The Shopify 1MBB 120-Day Free Trial

What is the Shopify 1MBB 120-day free trial offer?

Let's cut right to the chase: The Shopify 1MBB (1 Million Black Businesses) initiative aims to offer a 120-day free trial to help kickstart and support black-owned businesses. This extended trial period gives you ample time to set up your online store, explore Shopify's robust features, and start selling without the immediate pressure of subscription fees. It's all about giving your business the runway it needs to take off.

Can anyone sign up for the Shopify 1MBB 120-day trial?

The 1MBB 120-day trial is specifically designed to support black entrepreneurs. If you're launching a black-owned business or already running one and looking to expand your digital footprint, this trial's for you. It's a fantastic opportunity to leverage Shopify's comprehensive e-commerce platform, designed to empower and elevate your business journey.

What features are included in the Shopify 1MBB trial?

Good news: during the 120-day trial, you'll get access to the full suite of Shopify's standard features. This includes website and blog creation tools, sales channels (like online marketplaces and social media), secure payment processing, and inventory management systems. Plus, Shopify's support team is there to help every step of the way. It's a complete package to ensure you have everything you need to start strong.

Will I be charged any fees during the Shopify 1MBB trial?

Here's the deal: No, you won't be charged subscription fees during the 120-day trial. However, keep in mind that transaction fees or fees associated with third-party apps and themes you choose to add to your store still apply. It's always a good move to keep an eye on any additional services you opt into during the trial to avoid unexpected costs.

How do I sign up for the Shopify 1MBB 120-day free trial?

Straightforward and hassle-free: head over to Shopify's 1MBB initiative page, and you'll find the sign-up process there. You'll need to provide some basic information about your business to get started. No credit card information is required upfront, which means you can launch into setting up your store right away without any financial commitment.

What happens after the Shopify 1MBB trial ends?

As your 120-day trial wraps up, you'll have a decision to make—you can choose to subscribe to one of Shopify's plans to continue using their services or opt not to. If you decide to continue, your subscription will kick in automatically, depending on the plan you select, ensuring a smooth transition with no interruption to your business operations. It's a good idea to review Shopify's plan options towards the end of your trial, so you know exactly what fits your business needs.

Can I cancel my Shopify 1MBB trial if it's not for me?

Flexibility is key. If you feel that Shopify isn't the right fit for your business, you can cancel anytime during the 120-day trial without any penalty. No hard feelings—Shopify's goal is to support your business venture, and if it turns out not to be the right platform for you, they make stepping away easy and painless.

Is customer support available during the Shopify 1MBB free trial?

Shopify prides itself on providing stellar support to its merchants. During your 120-day trial, you'll have full access to Shopify's 24/7 customer support team. Whether you've got technical questions, need guidance on setting up your store, or are looking for marketing tips, they've got your back. It's like having a knowledgeable friend in your corner, ready to help you navigate your e-commerce journey.

Conclusion On The Shopify 1mbb 120 Day Free Trial

After thoroughly examining and engaging with the Shopify 1MBB program, it’s clear that its value lies not just in the practical tools and resources it provides but in the hope and direction it offers to Black entrepreneurs.

As someone who has witnessed the transformative impact of eCommerce firsthand, I can affirm the potential of the 1MBB initiative to change lives and communities.

Whether you’re at the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey or looking to scale your business, the Shopify 1MBB program stands as a compelling testament to the power of technology, education, and community support in shaping the future of commerce.