TikTok’s SOAR Together Opens Applications for Rural Businesses

TikTok Shop is committed to empowering small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), entrepreneurs, and creators to succeed and grow their businesses on TikTok through the TikTok SOAR Together (Supporting Our Artisans and Retailers Together) program. Today, in collaboration with The Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) and Braven Agency, we are launching the next evolution of SOAR: the TikTok Shop Accelerator Program for Rural Businesses. This six-week virtual program will provide tailored support and resources to help participating small rural businesses rapidly advance their businesses and creative endeavors on TikTok Shop. Applications are now open for eligible entrepreneurs across the United States to join the program. Be sure to meet the requirements for application.

This next phase of the SOAR Together initiative focuses on empowering rural entrepreneurs through hands-on digital training, mentorship, and community support. The program aims to bridge the digital divide and unlock new opportunities for rural businesses navigating a modern e-commerce marketplace.

Empowering Rural Entrepreneurs

Small businesses are the backbone of rural America. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy, small businesses operate 84.8% of establishments and employ 54.3% of workers in rural counties. Research shows that digital adoption can make a measurable difference: a 2019 study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce found that increased use of online tools boosts rural sales by 17.2%, driving roughly $70 billion in additional annual revenue and nearly 300,000 new jobs.

In the past year alone, sales to small US businesses on TikTok Shop in the US have grown by 70% year-over-year. And, over a third of all TikTok Shop US purchases each month in 2024 went to small businesses. Small business owners are using TikTok Shop to show up in new ways by telling their stories, going LIVE, and creating content that connects them with hundreds, even thousands, of people at once and they are turning that reach into sales. This couldn’t be more true for over 171,000 local and small businesses on TikTok Shop who are finding incredible success.

“We empower rural entrepreneurs through the SOAR Together Rural Accelerator,” said Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO, HHF. “By equipping business owners with the tools, mentorship, and digital know-how to succeed on TikTok Shop, we’re helping them amplify their voices, grow their ventures, and stay rooted in the communities they serve.”

Through the TikTok SOAR Together Rural Accelerator, HHF and Braven are helping entrepreneurs from small towns and rural communities to gain the tools and confidence to reach millions of online shoppers on TikTok Shop. Be sure to meet the requirements for application.

About the Program

The TikTok Shop Accelerator Program for Rural Businesses offers:

• Tailored Educational Sessions: Tips on TikTok Shop setup, content creation, LIVE selling, and digital marketing.
• One-on-One Mentorship: Tips and guides from e-commerce and social media experts.
• Community & Networking: Access to a growing network of rural peers, partners, and creators.
• Spotlight Opportunities: Recognition and visibility across the TikTok Shop ecosystem for standout participants.

Delivered entirely online, the program ensures accessibility for entrepreneurs in every corner of the country.

“Our mission has always been to empower underrepresented communities through opportunity and education,” said Robert Martinez, CEO at Braven Agency. “Partnering with HHF and TikTok SOAR Together allows us to bring these resources directly to rural entrepreneurs who are ready to take their businesses to the next level.”

Apply Now

Our first application round is closed, but due to overwhelming demand, we’re thrilled to announce a second chance to join our 6-week virtual accelerator for the new year.

Limited spots available, apply immediately to secure your place!

• Applications Open: Now!
• Applications Close: January 31, 2026
• Cohort Announced: February 4, 2026
• Program Runs: February 11 – March 18, 2026

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