Black Business Month is here and TikTok is tapped in.
The social media platform is resuming its efforts to champion diverse communities with the return of the Support Black Businesses accelerator program.
Black-owned Businesses Will Be Empowered
Black-owned businesses, creators, and entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply for access to resources, networking opportunities, and benefits.
The cohort will create a community with participating founders and owners to share support and knowledge with one another.
“We didn’t have a brand presence on TikTok before joining the SBB cohort. Now we have the confidence and skills to support growth,” Sahr Brima, CEO of Love You Cookie and a cohort member of TikTok’s 2021 accelerator program told AfroTech. “My team works incredibly hard to spread ‘defiant optimism’ deliciously. Beyond gourmet cookies, our goal is to make defiant optimism tangible by de-stigmatizing mental health issues and eliminating barriers to mental health services for BIPOC in our community. This feature is rewarding, provides visibility for my business and inspires us to keep working toward this goal.”
The Power Of Community
In addition to strengthening the brand presence and gaining national exposure, Brima has the confidence his business will succeed and be supported on TikTok thanks to the community fostered through the program.
“The TikTok Support Black Businesses Program has had a significant impact on our business,” Brima said. “Not only did the program give us national exposure, it also gave us the tools and the resources to succeed on TikTok. TikTok has created a community of Black entrepreneurs who are out there creating amazing content and products.”
Brima also shared a piece of advice for Black-owned businesses.
“If you’re a Black-owned business that’s getting started on TikTok, my advice is to be unapologetically Black. There are so many people and communities on platform who are happy you’re here and celebrate your Blackness,” he said.
Apply Today
Applications for the third cohort will close Wednesday, Aug. 24.
Finalists will be announced in early September and the program will begin on Sept. 12.
To qualify, you must be based in the U.S., offer a product or service online, have a social media presence (TikTok account not required), and commit to attending each week’s required webinar.
To join the next cohort, click here.
