TikTok Shop is launching Shop Local, a support scheme aimed at connecting UK small businesses with local customers.
TikTok’s Shop Local will award five small businesses a support package worth £150,000, designed to get small businesses up and running on TikTok Shop.
The scheme follows research commissioned by TikTok, which found that eight per cent of people would be more likely to buy British produce if it was more widely available to them.
What does it mean for small businesses?
UK small businesses can enter the TikTok Shop Local scheme as long as they sell locally produced goods, aren’t currently trading on TikTok Shop, and have less than 250 employees.
The £150,000 support package includes:
- guidance on how to sell on TikTok Shop
- mentorship on how to grow sales on the app
- training on selling using TikTok LIVE
- subsidised TikTok marketing support
- ‘featured promotion’ across TikTok Shop to increase reach
- PR and marketing support
The scheme is fronted by TikTok star and owner of Jimmy’s Farm, Jimmy Doherty.
To enter, you’ll need to create a TikTok video showing your products – as well as “demonstrating their offering to their local community”. The description needs to include the #ShopLocalComp hashtag, as well as tagging @TikTokShop_UK.
Entries opened on 14 October and close on 13 November 2025. TikTok states that winners will be contacted by 12 December.
‘Finding viral success’
Jan Wilk, Head of TikTok Shop UK, says: “We know that the current economic climate can be challenging for small British businesses, with many experiencing a mixed financial picture. But unlike other digital shopping platforms, TikTok Shop is based on discovery commerce.
“Smaller businesses don’t need huge followings or big budgets to be seen – if you have a great British product, the ‘For You Feed’ is your place to shine and find viral success, with your products and businesses able to be discovered by millions.”
Selling on TikTok Shop as a small business
There are plenty of platforms available for small businesses who sell their products online – but you may not have considered TikTok Shop. We have a whole guide that covers the pros, cons, and fees associated with selling on TikTok Shop.
Already selling on TikTok Shop? See how you could boost your sales with TikTok advertising.
Considering TikTok as an additional income stream for your business? Here’s how to make money on TikTok.
More guides for selling online
- How to advertise your business – the ultimate marketing guide
- What does ChatGPT’s instant checkout mean for Etsy sellers?
- How to make money on YouTube – top tips and strategies
- How to sell on Instagram in the UK: a step-by-step guide
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