The SOAR Together Rural program is a strategic digital initiative launched through a collaborative partnership between TikTok Shop, the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF), and Braven Agency. This six-week virtual accelerator is specifically designed to support small business owners in rural communities across the United States by providing them with the technical skills and marketing expertise required to succeed on the TikTok Shop platform. By focusing on the unique challenges faced by rural entrepreneurs, the program aims to bridge the digital divide and provide local businesses with the tools to reach a national audience.
Program Mission and Objectives
- Economic Empowerment: The initiative seeks to revitalize rural economies by helping local businesses transition into modern e-commerce environments.
- Digital Literacy: Participants are provided with a structured framework to master the TikTok Shop ecosystem, from initial store setup to advanced sales strategies.
- National Visibility: The program aims to transform locally-based products into nationally recognized brands through TikTok’s extensive social commerce reach.
- Inclusive Growth: By partnering with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, the program emphasizes supporting a diverse range of entrepreneurs and ensuring equitable access to digital growth opportunities.
Core Curriculum and Training Pillars
- Platform Setup: Step-by-step guidance on creating a professional TikTok Shop presence and navigating the seller center.
- Content Strategy: Training on how to create high-engagement videos that effectively showcase products and drive consumer conversions.
- Algorithm Mastery: In-depth sessions on understanding how the TikTok algorithm works to maximize organic reach and discoverability.
- LIVE Selling: Specialized coaching on hosting effective LIVE shopping sessions to engage with customers in real-time.
- Advertising and Scaling: Instruction on using TikTok’s advertising tools to target specific demographics and scale business operations sustainably.
Participant Benefits and Resources
- Expert Mentorship: Access to 1-on-1 coaching sessions with industry professionals from Braven Agency and TikTok Shop experts.
- Professional Community: Admission into an exclusive network of rural business owners, encouraging peer-to-peer learning and collaborative growth.
- Zero Cost: The program is offered free of charge to selected participants, removing financial barriers to high-level digital training.
- Virtual Accessibility: The entire 6-week curriculum is delivered online, allowing founders to participate without the need for travel or time away from their physical business locations.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
- Geographic Requirement: Applicants must operate a small business located in a rural area of the United States (typically defined as a community with a population of 50,000 or less).
- Business Registration: Participation is open to legally registered small business entities within the U.S.
- Product Readiness: Candidates should have a physical product ready for sale and be prepared to manage the logistics of national shipping and fulfillment.
- Commitment Level: Founders must be able to attend the virtual sessions scheduled from February 11 through March 18, 2026.
Application Timeline and Important Dates
- Application Deadline: The current window for submissions closes on January 31, 2026.
- Program Start Date: The accelerator officially begins its virtual sessions on February 11, 2026.
- Program Duration: The intensive training phase spans six weeks, concluding on March 18, 2026.
- Evaluation Process: Applications are reviewed based on the business’s potential for growth, the uniqueness of the product offering, and the founder's readiness to adopt new digital technologies.
SOAR Together Rural stands as a pivotal resource for entrepreneurs looking to modernize their business models and tap into the burgeoning world of social commerce. By providing specialized training and professional mentorship, the program ensures that rural small businesses are not left behind in the rapidly evolving digital economy. This partnership-driven initiative offers a clear pathway for local founders to amplify their brand voice and secure a competitive edge in the national marketplace.