TikTok and the International Chamber of Commerce are launching a global initiative to help small businesses grow through digital commerce training and mentorship opportunities.
TikTok and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) have announced a new global initiative aimed at helping small businesses strengthen their digital commerce capabilities and unlock new economic opportunities across emerging markets.
Called the Digital Commerce Labs, the programme will initially roll out across select countries in Latin America, Africa and Southeast Asia, with a focus on supporting entrepreneurs, small businesses and creators through practical digital training and mentorship.
The initiative combines TikTok’s growing role in digital commerce and audience reach with the ICC’s international trade expertise and extensive network of chambers of commerce operating across more than 170 countries.
The programme is designed to help businesses improve digital skills, increase revenue opportunities, expand access to markets and build long-term resilience within rapidly evolving digital economies.
According to the organisers, the Digital Commerce Labs will create a scalable learning model that can be adapted across different regions while connecting global expertise with local business communities.
The programme will be built around three key areas. The first focuses on community building, where entrepreneurs and small businesses will participate in both virtual and in-person sessions with local ecosystem partners to encourage collaboration, peer learning and network development.
The second component involves self-led online training modules hosted on a dedicated digital learning platform. These modules will include videos from local experts, interactive quizzes and certificates of completion designed to support flexible learning.
The third element introduces instructor-led virtual classrooms, allowing entrepreneurs to engage directly with industry specialists, ask questions in real time and deepen their understanding of digital commerce tools and strategies.
The International Chamber of Commerce says the initiative is intended to strengthen inclusion and accessibility within the global economy by helping smaller businesses better participate in digital trade opportunities.
TikTok says the programme builds on the platform’s existing role in helping entrepreneurs and small businesses grow their brands and connect with new customers through digital content and commerce tools.
The Digital Commerce Labs initiative is expected to launch across 10 countries, beginning with select markets in Latin America and Africa before expanding further across Africa and into Thailand later this year.
As digital platforms continue reshaping global commerce, the programme highlights the growing importance of accessible digital skills and online business ecosystems in driving entrepreneurship, economic participation and sustainable growth.
