TikTok Launches Support Black Businesses Initiative

TikTok recognizes the challenges faced by small business owners, especially those who are Black-owned, in recovering and rebuilding after a difficult year. The pandemic has disproportionately impacted Black-owned businesses, with more than half experiencing a drop in revenue compared to white-owned businesses.

To address these disparities, TikTok launched the Support Black Businesses initiative last year. This online hub provides Black entrepreneurs with information about TikTok's partnerships and initiatives that promote awareness, support, and patronage of their businesses. In addition, TikTok donated $500,000 to the Accion Opportunity Fund to provide relief to Black small business owners affected by COVID-19.

TikTok is now accepting applications for the next cohort of Support Black Businesses in partnership with Vimeo. This program aims to equip Black small business owners with essential skills and resources to not only rebuild but also grow stronger. Participants will receive $1000 in ad credits, have the opportunity to engage with TikTok Creators through roundtables, and gain full access to Vimeo's Business tier tools for video creation and production.

Annya Brown, founder of NaturalAnnie Essentials and a participant in the inaugural cohort of Shop Black Businesses, praised the program for providing her with access to marketing strategies used by major brands and inspiring content ideas. She also highlighted the sense of community and support among participants, who openly discussed the challenges they face as Black small business owners.

Video is a powerful tool for storytelling, and TikTok aims to amplify and elevate the voices of the Black community through Support Black Businesses. The workshops offered in this program will provide valuable video skills to business owners, helping them reach and connect with people more effectively.

Support Black Business is proud to partner with Talent x Opportunity (TxO), an accelerator program led by Andreessen Horowitz. Through this partnership, TikTok executives will dedicate their time, expertise, and resources to support talented next-generation leaders, providing them with access to trainings, marketing opportunities, and in-app creator showcases. TxO's entrepreneurs will also be part of the second cohort of Support Black Business.

TikTok is committed to supporting and elevating diverse voices and businesses on its platform. The company's partnership with TxO reflects this commitment and demonstrates its dedication to empowering Black businesses and entrepreneurs. TikTok's "BLXCK" employee resource group plays a crucial role in driving impactful programming and initiatives, and the company envisions continued leadership in this area.

Black-owned businesses that meet the eligibility criteria are invited to apply for the next cohort of Support Black Business. The application process requires businesses to have a public-facing website, offer a product or service, have a current social media presence (TikTok account not required), and commit to attending at least 75% of the program.

Apply today to be part of this program and receive the support and resources needed to thrive as a Black small business owner.