Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What is SOAR Together?
- Women-Owned TikTok Shop Accelerator
- Support for LGBTQIA+-Owned Businesses
- Why SOAR Together Matters
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Introduction
The digital landscape has revolutionized how businesses grow, communicate, and engage with their customers. Among the many platforms, TikTok has emerged as a powerhouse, especially for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). With the recent launch of TikTok Shop, the platform has taken a significant step towards making e-commerce more inclusive. Enter SOAR Together, a dedicated initiative designed to empower SMBs, with a particular focus on women- and LGBTQIA+-owned businesses.
Why should SMB owners pay close attention to this? How can the SOAR Together program transform your small business into a booming success on TikTok Shop? This article delves into the details of the SOAR Together initiative, exploring its goals, components, and the potential benefits it offers to the participating businesses.
What is SOAR Together?
An Initiative for Inclusivity and Growth
SOAR Together, which stands for Supporting Our Artisans and Retailers, is TikTok Shop's new social impact initiative. This program aims to support SMBs across various demographics, ensuring that entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds have the tools, resources, and opportunities needed to thrive on the platform.
According to Nico Le Bourgeois, Head of TikTok Shop Operations in the U.S., the initiative is geared towards fostering a supportive environment where diverse entrepreneurs can flourish. By providing tailored resources and mentorship, TikTok Shop hopes to open up endless possibilities for these businesses.
First Focus: Women- and LGBTQIA+-Owned Businesses
The initial phase of SOAR Together is geared towards empowering women- and LGBTQIA+-owned businesses. These two programs provide targeted support to address the unique challenges that members of these communities may face in the business world.
Women-Owned TikTok Shop Accelerator
Custom Courses and Expert Guidance
The Women-Owned TikTok Shop Accelerator is a six-week program designed in collaboration with the Conscious Commerce Accelerator (CCA) and the Association of Women’s Business Centers (AWBC). The program aims to accelerate the growth of women-owned SMBs by offering tailored resources and expert guidance.
Fifteen women-owned businesses will be selected to participate in the inaugural accelerator program. The participants will gain access to custom business and marketing courses that cover a range of essential topics, including TikTok Shop 101, sales review and forecasting, social media metrics analysis, influencer engagement, and profitable business expansion.
Networking and Mentorship
Participants in the Women-Owned Accelerator will not only learn through courses but also benefit from valuable mentorship and networking opportunities. These interactions are designed to provide hands-on support and practical advice from industry veterans like Tina Wells, a retail and marketing industry leader.
Celebrating Success
At the end of the program, participants will be honored in a ceremony recognizing their achievements. This recognition not only acknowledges their hard work and progress but also builds momentum for their future endeavors on TikTok Shop and beyond.
Support for LGBTQIA+-Owned Businesses
StartOut Scholarships: A Pathway to Growth
Another crucial component of the SOAR Together initiative is its partnership with StartOut, a nonprofit organization that supports LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs. Through this collaboration, TikTok Shop will distribute StartOut Scholarships to 30 LGBTQIA+-owned businesses.
Resources, Mentorship, and Community
The scholarship program provides participants with a wealth of resources aimed at helping them grow and scale their businesses. These resources include mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and access to StartOut’s Founders Program, which offers a variety of networking opportunities and community support.
Building a Strong Business Foundation
StartOut’s Founders Program is designed to help LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs establish a solid foundation for their businesses. Participants will receive insights and strategies that are crucial for sustainable growth and long-term success.
Why SOAR Together Matters
Empowering Underrepresented Entrepreneurs
The SOAR Together initiative addresses the unique challenges faced by underrepresented entrepreneurs, providing them with the tools and opportunities needed to succeed. By focusing on inclusivity and diversity, TikTok Shop is not only supporting individual businesses but also promoting a more equitable business landscape.
Leveraging TikTok’s Powerful Platform
TikTok has proven to be a powerful platform for driving awareness and sales, especially for emerging brands. The SOAR Together initiative leverages this potential, offering participating businesses a unique opportunity to amplify their reach and impact.
Comprehensive Support System
The combination of tailored resources, mentorship, networking, and community support ensures that participants in both the Women-Owned Accelerator and the LGBTQIA+ scholarship program receive comprehensive assistance. This holistic approach maximizes the chances of success for these businesses, making the SOAR Together initiative a transformative experience for its participants.
Conclusion
TikTok Shop’s SOAR Together initiative is a beacon of support for underrepresented SMBs, offering them the resources, mentorship, and community they need to flourish. Whether you're a woman entrepreneur looking to scale your business or an LGBTQIA+ business owner seeking growth strategies, SOAR Together provides a unique opportunity to leverage TikTok’s vast platform for your business success.
By the end of the program, participants stand to gain not just knowledge and skills but also confidence and a sense of empowerment that will propel their businesses forward. It's time to harness the power of TikTok Shop and take your SMB to new heights with SOAR Together.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the SOAR Together initiative? SOAR Together is a social impact program launched by TikTok Shop aimed at supporting small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) through tailored resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The initiative focuses on diverse demographics, starting with women- and LGBTQIA+-owned businesses.
Who can participate in the Women-Owned TikTok Shop Accelerator? The program is open to women-owned SMBs. Fifteen businesses will be selected to participate in the inaugural six-week accelerator program.
What kind of support will participants receive in the Women-Owned TikTok Shop Accelerator? Participants will take part in custom business and marketing courses, gain insights into TikTok Shop, social media metrics, influencer engagement, and more. They will also benefit from mentorship and networking opportunities with industry professionals.
What is the StartOut Scholarship for LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs? The scholarship program, in partnership with StartOut, offers 30 LGBTQIA+-owned businesses access to resources, mentorship, and networking through StartOut’s Founders Program, as well as insights into growing and scaling their businesses.
Why is the SOAR Together initiative important? The initiative provides underrepresented entrepreneurs with the resources and opportunities needed to succeed, promoting a more inclusive and equitable business landscape.
How can I apply for these programs? Details on the application process can be found on TikTok Shop's official website or through their partner organizations. Applications typically involve submitting a business profile and highlighting the unique aspects of your business and its growth potential.
