• by Colin Kirkland , May 8, 2025

When the U.S. government was readying itself to pass the still-ongoing selloff bill, TikTok tried making the case that it is an essential media channel for creators, issuing a report showcasing its positive influence on small businesses across the country. 

As the selloff continues to be delayed by President Donald Trump, the ByteDance-owned business is leaning even further into its stance as a major supporter of SMBs and its 170 million users in the U.S. 

Marking the start of Small Business Month, the company stated that it is home to more than 7.5 million businesses in the U.S., 74% of which have reported that the platform “helped them scale operations, hire new employees, and reach wider audiences.”

Furthermore, TikTok has announced its own “Small Biz Fest,” a series of nationwide initiatives designed to support entrepreneurs and small businesses with ad credits, mentorship and educational resources, while highlighting some of the platform’s success stories. 

TikTok says it is offering $1 million in ad credits to 500 eligible U.S. SMBs in order to help boost their visibility and growth. Each SMB will receive around $2,000 in credits and one-on-one onboarding support. 

Between May 27-29, TikTok Shop -- the company’s ecommerce platform -- will feature “standout products” from small brands via an in-app banner and Small Biz Fest tab, while additional publicity will take root in a new video podcast series spotlighting TikTok SMBs, as well as a free webinar series led by experts designed to help SMBs launch, market and grow on the app. 

Lastly, TikTok will also be leading in-person events at state capitols in New York and Texas, where the company will host conversations with policymakers and invite locally owned small businesses on TikTok Shop to discuss the economic impact the platform provides in their home state.