Supporting Small Businesses on TikTok Shop with SOAR

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Carolyn Howell

Last Updated: Aug 01, 2024

TikTok 101
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TikTok has long established a reputation for offering an environment conducive to creator and brand growth. The platform has launched various initiatives to help creators monetize content, artists build successful careers, and brands drive awareness and sales. Its latest program, SOAR Together, is focused on supporting small businesses on TikTok Shop. 

Keep reading to learn more about it!

A chalkboard sign in a store window says, “Thank you for shopping local.”

SOAR Together Program

TikTok’s SOAR Together program is designed to facilitate the rapid advancement of businesses, entrepreneurs, and creators on TikTok Shop. SOAR stands for “Supporting Our Artisans and Retailers” and is the platform’s latest social impact initiative.

Participating small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) can expect “tailored mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities” to empower them and help them thrive. SOAR Together bolsters their creative and business endeavors so they can make the most of the endless possibilities available to them.

The first two programs under SOAR Together focus on supporting and empowering women-owned and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) businesses: 

  • Women-Owned TikTok Shop Accelerator. Fifteen pre-selected women-owned U.S. businesses representing the breadth and diversity of entrepreneurs on TikTok Shop are participating in the six-week program. TikTok is partnering with the Conscious Commerce Accelerator (CCA) and the Association of Women’s Business Centers (AWBC) for mentorship and custom courses. These courses will focus on TikTok Shop 101, sales review and forecasting, analyzing social media metrics, engaging with influencers, and more. Tina Wells, renowned retail and marketing industry thought leader, says, “I’m thrilled to join this initiative as an advisor and coach. It aligns with my personal mission to help underrepresented founders get on the shelves. TikTok has proven to be an essential tool in driving awareness and sales for emerging brands, and this accelerator program provides yet another invaluable tool.”
  • TikTok Shop and StartOut. TikTok Shop is providing 30 LGBTQIA+ owned businesses in the US with entrepreneurial scholarships for StartOut‘s Founders Program. The chosen participants will receive automatic membership to StartOut’s Founders Program. They’ll also have access to education, resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help grow and scale their businesses.

Two business partners study sales numbers on a laptop.

TikTok Shop for Small Businesses on TikTok

“Location, location, location.” This mantra often applies to real estate, but it can also be applied to businesses. 

And for small businesses on TikTok, TikTok Shop is THE prime location for fantastic growth opportunities

TikTok Shop combines the joys of watching TikTok videos and shopping online! Small business owners can take advantage of TikTok’s engaging mobile video format and viewers to reach their target markets. Additionally, TikTok Shop’s extensive array of advanced e-commerce tools are designed to support their growth. 

TikTok Shop caters to a wide variety of small businesses. Whether you’re selling products or services, you can create product showcases and a product catalog and sell directly from your TikTok videos. Through TikTok Business Center, you can manage multiple TikTok ad accounts, users, assets, and finances efficiently and securely. 

TikTok’s super-targeted recommendation algorithm also helps businesses accelerate the growth of their customer base. By setting up a store, you won’t only reach more potential customers; you can drive more sales with TikTok’s highly engaged audiences. 

If you’ve been wondering if opening a TikTok Shop is right for you, explore what it has to offer now. 

A white wooden sign says, “More Shops.”

Supporting Small Businesses on TikTok Shop: Frequently Asked Questions

Are you a small business owner looking for ways to boost your sales on social media platforms? Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about TikTok Shop to help you make the right business decision!

Is TikTok Shop good for small businesses?

Absolutely. Small business owners can benefit greatly from TikTok’s highly intuitive and precise recommendation algorithm. They’ll have the best chance of connecting with potential customers and building rewarding relationships on TikTok than any other social platform. 

TikTok Shop offers the targeting advantage, high engagement of TikTok videos, and all the benefits of selling online. 

How does TikTok support small businesses?

TikTok’s SOAR Together program is the platform’s latest social impact program designed to support small businesses on TikTok Shop. The program offers custom support and resources to empower SMBs and help them scale their business. 

TikTok Shop’s e-commerce solutions are also ideal for entrepreneurs and creators looking to grow brand awareness, boost sales, and build relationships. 

Do you need a business license to sell on TikTok?

Not necessarily. You can sell on TikTok with a Personal or Business Account without a business license. But if you want to access certain Business Account features, such as Seller Center and TikTok Shop, you’ll need a business license. 

Ready To Grow Your Business on TikTok?

TikTok offers opportunities for growth and success to its users — whether you’re a creator or brand and whatever niche you’re in. Arguably its most powerful tool, TikTok’s recommendation algorithm fuels the platform’s efforts to propel creators and brands forward. 

Supporting small businesses on TikTok Shop via the SOAR Together program further solidifies TikTok’s commitment to its community. 

But if you could have an additional targeting advantage, wouldn’t you? Sign up for a High Social plan to instantly magnify your targeting capability with their advanced, proprietary AI solution. 

Reach more genuinely interested users likely to hit your follow button, engage with your content, and become customers. Start growing your TikTok today

TikTok 101