Operation HOPE
Together with Shopify, Operation HOPE aims to level the business field and encourage aspiring Black entrepreneurs to start their own ventures by providing them with the tools and resources needed to succeed. Over the course of the initiative, we intend to provide up to $130 million of resources, with an aim to create one million Black-owned businesses in the U.S. by 2030.
Supporting progress
In 2020, we saw unprecedented Black Lives Matter protests in the United States and around the world. Before anyone can become an entrepreneur, we recognize the importance of community safety and wellbeing. In direct response to these protests, we made three contributions to support the Black community. In the US, we donated $500,000 to NAACP Legal Defense Fund, and $250,000 to Campaign Zero, and in Canada, we donated $250,000 to Black Health Alliance Canada.
Founder Gym
We’re happy to team with Founder Gym, the virtual training center for underrepresented entrepreneurs. We’ve provided scholarships for the Money Magnet Program to ten Black entrepreneurs, giving them a masterclass on monetizing their passions and building lasting businesses.
Black Innovation Fellowship
As a founding partner of the Black Innovation Fellowship (BIF), we’re excited to empower aspiring Black entrepreneurs. Developed by a partnership including Ryerson University’s award-winning DMZ incubator, the BIF provides Black-led startups with mentorship, seed funding and support.
Shop Black
Supporting and buying from Black-owned businesses is made easier with resources from Shopify. The Black Business Directory was developed by the Black@Shopify Employee Resource Group and gives shoppers around the world a way to shop. Supporting Black-owned businesses is only a tap away, with a dedicated directory in the shopping assistant app, Shop.
Build Black
It’s important to highlight more voices and connect them with projects and programs that empower them. Build Black is a conversation series that details the business journeys of leading Black entrepreneurs. The Build Black Community continues the conversation on Slack, where business owners support and learn from one another while growing their business.
