TikTok has today announced support for small business across Ireland. The news is part of TikTok's ongoing commitment to support the Irish economy and empower local communities through the platform.

SMEs across Ireland will be able to:

Get set up on the TikTok SMB Hub

The TikTok SMB Hub consists of a whole host of products, guidance and tools, which are at the disposal of business owners' fingertips. It has been specifically designed to enable businesses of all sizes in Ireland to start activating on the platform at scale. TikTok's new Small Business Guide, which contains tools, strategies and inspiration to help small businesses thrive, is also available on the Hub.

Get started with TikTok Ads Manager

Irish SMEs will have the opportunity to use the TikTok Ads Manager to join thousands of small businesses in Europe going viral, reaching engaged audiences and growing their sales on TikTok. The powerful self-service platform makes it easy for entrepreneurs to create and manage their own TikTok campaigns. TikTok Ads Manager is designed to help businesses of all sizes get started on the platform and make their advertising "100% TikTok".

Start, run and grow through TikTok and Shopify's partnership

TikTok and Shopify are partnering in Ireland to help Shopify merchants create and run ad campaigns directly geared towards the highly engaged TikTok community. Through the partnership, businesses can now create in-feed shoppable video ads directly within Shopify, and effortlessly deploy them to the TikTok community. The partnership will help businesses of all sizes embrace new ideas, trends and insights, helping Shopify merchants to stay ahead by authentically and impactfully engaging with the TikTok community in a simple, scalable way.

Build relationships with a huge community of engaged and like-minded businesses

TikTok is a brilliant place for SMEs to tap into, and build relationships with like-minded businesses. With a diverse community of 100 million people across Europe there is an audience for every business. TikTok has seen brands make real connections with the community by embracing the creativity that makes the platform unique.

Brands can leverage hashtags such as #smallbusinesscheck (9.2BN views) and #smallbusinessowner (2.2BN views) to share their unique story and journey with others to build a community and ecosystem of support. From packing orders and behind-the-scenes tutorials to business advice and motivation for the tough times, business owners and their supporters interact with each other and prospective customers on TikTok.

TikTok has already teamed up with a number of innovative businesses in Ireland to help them reach new audiences. Inspiring SMEs such as The Baby Academy, which provides online classes for expectant parents across Ireland and National Beauty Distribution, are already achieving their business goals through the platform. In fact, since joining the Self-Serve Ad Platform three weeks ago, TikTok has become one of the highest traffic drivers for National Beauty Distribution and of the users the company has engaged with so far, the vast majority are new. Having gone live with their LUNA by Lisa brand initially, they have now activated the remaining brands in their portfolio. Jill & Gill who offer a fresh approach to illustration and print across fine art, fashion and design are the latest Irish SME to register to the platform.

The launch of SME support in Ireland is further evidence of TikTok’s ongoing commitment to, and support of the Irish economy. Currently TikTok has over 1,100 employees in Ireland which includes a dedicated SMB team led by Lisa Friedrich which services the European region more broadly.

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar TD said:

"I welcome this initiative from TikTok. Irish businesses have faced unprecedented challenges during the pandemic and anything that adds to the help that is available from Government is most welcome. New technology is transforming all of our lives and I hope SMEs find the information and advice on this hub useful as they respond to new ways of doing business and interacting with their customers."

Lisa Friedrich, Head of SME at TikTok Europe, commented: "Small businesses bring vibrance to both our local communities and the TikTok community. We are absolutely committed to helping small business owners to grow and thrive. We've seen such resilience from small business owners, who have brought energy, creativity and new ideas. They will be at the heart of future economic growth. The launch of TikTok Ads Manager, The SMB Hub and our Shopify partnership in Ireland will help local business owners to quickly, effectively and accurately reach target audiences online, and then convert that into sales."

Shimona Mehta, Managing Director, Shopify EMEA, added: "The past year has been one of immense change for retailers, who have had to be agile in a rapidly evolving retail landscape. Today, the way that entrepreneurs start, run, and grow businesses has permanently altered.

"Brands are also having to compete like never before to get the attention of buyers. The goal is for businesses to make it easier for buyers to discover their brands. With this new TikTok partnership, Shopify merchants in Ireland can connect and build relationships with customers in a way that can help drive long-term sales growth."