By Bogdan RanceaStarting an online business always sounded like something I needed thousands of dollars, a design team, and some Silicon Valley experience to do. I thought it was just out of reach. That changed when I found the Shopify 1MBB program.
This isn’t just another “free trial” gimmick. This is a real, structured program from Shopify and Operation HOPE, made to help Black entrepreneurs like me get the tools, support, and resources to launch our own businesses — starting with 120 days of Shopify completely free.
In this guide, I’m breaking down how it works, how I got started, and what to expect if you decide to jump in.
Whether you’ve already got a business idea or you’re starting from scratch, this guide will walk you through the Shopify 1MBB challenge with everything you need to know.
What is Shopify 1MBB?
Shopify 1MBB is short for 1 Million Black Businesses — an initiative launched by Shopify in partnership with Operation HOPE. The goal? Help create and support 1 million Black-owned businesses by 2030.
Here’s what really stands out:
- 120-day free Shopify subscription (no credit card required)
- Access to training, coaching, and tools for ecommerce
- Free help with business setup, credit, and funding
- Available to any Black-identifying entrepreneur in the U.S.
This isn’t just a promotion — it’s a long-term commitment. Shopify’s put over $130 million behind this program to fund free tools, education, and software access.
And Operation HOPE brings decades of experience in financial literacy, credit coaching, and business mentorship.
Why Shopify 1MBB is a Big Deal (Especially If You’re Just Starting)
Before I found this program, I was stuck. I had a business idea, but not enough money to get it off the ground. Every ecommerce course, platform, or “get started” tutorial seemed to ask for cash upfront — whether it was a $29/month platform fee or a $497 masterclass.
Here’s what 1MBB removed for me:
- No upfront platform fees
- No pressure to figure it all out alone
- Real human coaching
- Free education — not just PDFs but actual business-building frameworks
- Access to a network of other Black entrepreneurs doing the same thing
Shopify 1MBB gave me space to launch at my own pace, without the stress of going broke before even making a sale.
Step-by-Step: How I Got the Shopify 120-Day Free Trial
Getting started was surprisingly simple. If you’ve been curious about it, here’s exactly how I did it — and how you can too.
1. I went to the official 1MBB site
The only place to apply is https://www.1mbb.com. You’ll see an option to Join Now or Get Started.
2. I filled out the Operation HOPE application
They ask for:
- Name
- Phone
- Your city
- Whether you already have a business or just an idea
No payment info. No credit check. Just a basic intro form to qualify for the program.
3. I scheduled a coaching call
This was optional, but 100% worth it. I was paired with a coach from Operation HOPE who helped me build a launch plan, offered advice on my business structure, and gave tips on branding.
4. I received the Shopify activation email
Within a few days, Shopify sent a custom link to activate my 120-day free store. No credit card was required. The link opened a Shopify onboarding flow and walked me through naming my store and choosing a theme.
5. I got to work
From there, I had access to Shopify Learn, free tools, and templates. Everything was geared toward beginners. You don’t need to be a tech expert — I wasn’t.
What Comes With the 120-Day Free Access?
Once you activate your store, the clock starts on your four-month trial. But it’s not just about free access to the platform — you get way more than that.
Here’s what came in the package:
| Feature | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Shopify Basic Plan | Free for 120 days — normally $39/month |
| Business Coaching | 1-on-1 sessions with a certified Operation HOPE coach |
| Shopify Learn Access | Courses and tutorials on setting up and running a store |
| Business Planning Tools | Templates for product sourcing, marketing, budgeting |
| Community | Connect with other entrepreneurs in the 1MBB network |
| Grant + Credit Guidance | Help accessing business funding and credit-building |
For me, the coaching alone was worth it. My coach helped me pick a niche, build my first product bundle, and understand what “profit margins” even meant. I didn’t get that kind of support from other platforms.
How I Used the First 30 Days
The first month was about setup. I focused on the basics: building a store, uploading products, and figuring out my offer.
Here’s what I prioritized:
- Brand name: Something simple and searchable
- Product sourcing: I chose print-on-demand to avoid inventory costs
- Theme customization: I used a free theme and made small edits using Canva for branding
- Payments: I activated Shopify Payments so I could accept cards and Apple Pay
- Policies and legal pages: Used Shopify’s built-in templates for privacy policy, shipping, and terms
I didn’t try to overdo it. The goal wasn’t perfection — it was to get something live.
Day 30–60: Finding Traffic and Getting My First Sale
By the second month, I was focused on traffic. I didn’t have a marketing budget, so I leaned into free and low-cost methods:
- Instagram + TikTok: I posted product mockups and behind-the-scenes videos
- Facebook Groups: Shared my story in groups for Black entrepreneurs and ecommerce founders
- Email list: I set up a free Mailchimp account and collected emails with a simple pop-up
- SEO: I used Shopify’s blog feature to post short keyword-focused content about my niche
My first sale came from someone who found me on Instagram. It felt like a huge win — even though it was only $27, it proved the model.
Day 60–120: Scaling Slowly Without Burning Out
The last two months were about refining what worked. I added:
- Upsells: Bundles and “buy 2, get 1 free” offers
- Customer reviews: I asked every buyer for feedback and added it to product pages
- Better shipping: I optimized my supplier to reduce delivery times
- More automation: Shopify Flow and abandoned cart emails saved me time
By day 120, I had a basic system:
- 3 best-selling products
- Repeat customers
- Email marketing running
- $1.2K in total revenue
- And a store I was actually proud of
No outside funding. No web designer. No fancy tech.
Just free tools, real support, and a clear plan.
What Happens After the Free Trial?
Once the 120 days are up, you move to a paid Shopify plan. I chose the Basic plan ($39/month). Since my store was making sales, it made sense.
If you’re not ready to commit, Shopify lets you pause your store or switch to a cheaper plan temporarily. But if you’ve done the work, the idea is that you’ll be making enough to cover the cost.
And even after the trial ends, you still have access to the Operation HOPE coaching, which is massive.
Who Shopify 1MBB Is For
This program isn’t for everyone — but it is perfect for you if:
- You’re a Black entrepreneur in the U.S.
- You’ve got a product idea (or want help finding one)
- You don’t want to risk hundreds of dollars upfront
- You want real training and coaching — not just YouTube advice
- You’re serious about building something long-term
If you just want a quick side hustle with no effort, this probably isn’t the move. But if you’re ready to go all in, the tools are there.
Pros and Cons (Real Talk)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 120 days free with zero commitment | Only for Black entrepreneurs in the U.S. |
| Real coaching from business experts | Application process takes a few days |
| No need for upfront cash or credit card | You’ll still need to do the work — it’s not a done-for-you business |
| Access to Shopify Learn, templates, and ecommerce systems | You’ll need to switch to paid after 4 months |
Final Thoughts: Is Shopify 1MBB Worth It?
For me, Shopify 1MBB changed the game. It gave me the tools and support I needed to go from stuck to selling — all without the pressure of going into debt just to start.
If you’re sitting on a business idea or dreaming of launching a store but haven’t taken the leap, this program clears the biggest hurdles.
It won’t build your business for you — but it will give you everything you need to build it yourself.
