In collaboration with Operation HOPE, Shopify’s 1 Million Black Businesses program (1MBB) strives to provide Black entrepreneurs with the necessary resources and support to succeed in the digital business environment.
What’s more, we are providing participants with a 120-day free trial, allowing participants to take advantage of Shopify’s multi-faceted e-commerce platform, its educational content, individualized coaching, and its community.
This guide will take you through everything you need to know about program benefits, eligibility, and ways to maximize your 120-day trial.
We will also discuss the process to earn the Shopify 1MBB eCommerce Certification and how to qualify as a Black-owned business.
Shopify 1MBB Program Overview
All the key info about the Shopify 1MBB (2025) program is shown below.
| Shopify 1MBB | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | Shopify 1 Million Black Businesses (1MBB) |
| Eligibility | Black-owned businesses in the US, Canada, and UK |
| Price | Standard Shopify pricing after 120-day free trial |
| Free Trial | 120 days (extended from the standard 14 days) |
| Refund Policy | Subject to standard Shopify refund terms |
What Is Shopify 1MBB?
1MBB stands for “1 Million Black Businesses,” a bold initiative encapsulating Shopify’s commitment to fostering Black entrepreneurship.
This program results from a strategic partnership between Shopify, a leading e-commerce platform, and Operation HOPE, a non-profit organization dedicated to financial dignity and economic empowerment.
The primary goal of the 1MBB initiative is to create a more equitable business environment and provide Black entrepreneurs with the tools and resources they need to succeed in the digital economy.
Key Features Of The 1MBB Program
Here are the key features of the 1MBB program:
- Help Black entrepreneurs start a business without financial pressure.
- Train with courses like 1MBB E-commerce Certification.
- 120-day free Shopify trial (still active in 2025)
- Access to tools, resources, and mentorship
- Create a community of Black business owners
Shopify 1MBB Eligibility Criteria
To ensure that the 1MBB program reaches its intended audience and maximizes its impact, Shopify has established specific eligibility criteria for participation.
Here is what it takes to qualify for this program:
- Your business must be at least 51% Black-owned.
- As of 2025, the program is only available in the United States.
- Your business must abide by Shopify’s terms of service.
- You must enroll in the program first through Operation HOPE to access the free trial; paid plan not required upfront.
It’s important to note that these criteria are subject to verification, and Shopify reserves the right to review and approve applications to ensure the program’s integrity and effectiveness. However, if you are not eligible for this program, you can take advantage of Shopify for one dollar here.
How To Join The Shopify 1MBB Program
To join the Shopify 1MBB program, you must enroll for free with their partner, Operation Hope. Once you have registered with them, you will be given courses that you must complete to start and grow your business.
Just click on the link on Operation Hope given above and register for free. Becoming a member will help you unlock many benefits of the Shopify 1MBB program.
Activating Shopify 120-Day Free Trial With 1MBB Program
Once you are verified as a member of the black community, your business will also meet all the terms and conditions of Shopify.
You can avail of the Shopify 120-day free trial by following the steps given below:
Step 1. Visit the Shopify 1MBB landing page and click on the “Start free trial” button in the top right corner
Step 2. Complete the online survey, identifying yourself as a member of the Black community
Step 3. Set up your Shopify account and access your dashboard
Note: If you meet all the requirements for the Shopify 1MBB program, the pricing table will show the 120-day free trial option.
Step 4. Select the monthly plan to activate your 120-day free trial
The Shopify 1MBB program provides a greater 120-day free trial, which is much longer than Shopify’s current offer (3-day free trial + $1/month for 3 months).
During the trial period, participants have complete access to all of Shopify and won’t face any charges.
| Plan | Monthly Pricing | Annual Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $39/month | $29/month |
| Grow | $105/month | $79/month |
| Advanced | $399/month | $299/month |
Step 5. Confirm your plan and add your payment method (you won’t be charged during the trial period)
Congratulations! You have now successfully activated the 120-day trial.
Once your free trial is over after 120 days, you can pick a paid plan. Here is a simplified version of Shopify Pricing written by me. If you are confused about which plan to choose, read my detailed comparison between Shopify vs Shopify Plus.
Benefits Of Participating In Shopify 1MBB
The 120-day free trial allows entrepreneurs to fully explore and utilize Shopify’s platform without financial pressure, giving them time to establish their online presence.
Here are all the Shopify benefits of this program:
- The 120-day free trial helps entrepreneurs explore Shopify and build their online presence.
- The E-commerce Certification program offers business skills tailored for Black entrepreneurs.
- Participants gain access to a supportive community of Black entrepreneurs.
- The program aims to contribute over $200 billion in economic impact through Black-owned businesses by 2030 (updated estimate, 2025).
1MBB E-commerce Certification Program
Shopify + 1MBB Ecommerce Certification is an education program that offers 40 hours of Shopify-created courses explicitly tailored for Black entrepreneurs.
The curriculum covers essential aspects of building and marketing an online store, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities that Black business owners may encounter.
The curriculum covers various topics, including:
- Store setup and customization
- Product sourcing and inventory management
- Customer acquisition and retention strategies
- Effective marketing techniques
- Financial management and growth strategies
Upon completion, participants receive an official certification from Shopify and Operation HOPE, validating their e-commerce expertise.
Shopify 1MBB Success Stories And Impact
The Shopify 1MBB initiative has already made significant strides in supporting Black-owned businesses. As of 2025, over 425,000 Black businesses have been engaged through the 1MBB program.
Over $35 million in small business funding has been facilitated since the program’s launch, demonstrating the program’s tangible impact on the Black business community.
Many entrepreneurs like Megan Graham (Participant of the 1MBB Program) credit the 1MBB program with giving them the tools and motivation to turn their business ideas into reality.
Here are a few other testimonials:
Conclusion: Shopify 1 Million Black Businesses Has Been Pivotal For Black Businesses!
Shopify 1 Million Black Businesses is not only a program, it’s a movement encouraging Black entrepreneurs to reach their full potential in the online world.
With its additional 120-day free trial, full suite of resources, and terrific community support, it’s one step closer to establishing a space with equitable representation in e-commerce.
No matter if you are starting out or adding on to an existing business, Shopify 1 Million Black Businesses is fit for you to help you build those dreams.
Enjoy this opportunity and make sure your entrepreneurial visions turn into reality!
