Ciara and Meta Elevate are back to support small Black-owned businesses!

To ensure businesses will receive support and prosper amidst the pandemic, entrepreneurs were encouraged to apply to Meta’s newest program in the fall of 2021. Now, Ciara has personally selected 10 Black-owned businesses that will participate in the inaugural cohort.

“The ten businesses I’ve nominated are dear to me because they embody determination, community, empathy and empowerment. The success of Black-owned small businesses is key to wealth building in our community, which is why connecting Black owners to these opportunities is so important to me,” Ciara said in a press release sent to AfroTech.

As AfroTech previously told you, nominated businesses will receive marketing mentorship and six weeks of support. Businesses will have the opportunity to create powerful marketing campaigns on Facebook and Instagram. In addition, Meta will distribute $100,000 in ad credits and creative support for businesses to have additional resources following the completion of the program. Businesses can also expect to receive a scholarship for Meta Blueprint’s digital marketing skills certificate to advance their skills.

“We are thrilled to partner with Ciara to invest in this talented group of Black entrepreneurs. I am also proud that Meta continues to support the Black small business community with the Elevate Training Program. The program has already reached over 1 million Black business owners and employees. We hope to continue to provide Black-owned small businesses with free digital tools and courses so they can continue to grow and thrive,” Sheryl Sandberg, Chief Operating Officer of Meta, said in a press release.

Here are the 10 small Black-owned businesses that have been announced:

More To Come For Black History Month

For Black History Month, Meta has announced its theme, which is “Black365″ to further support the community and propel their business forward.

Business owners will have an opportunity to attend a weekly information session hosted by industry experts, small business owners, and influencers.

For shoppers looking to shop Black for the month of February, be on the lookout as the Instagram shoppers page will highlight Black-owned businesses.

A cultural guide will also be made available on Feb. 1.