2021 Sustainability Report
Building a 100-year Company
Commerce can only thrive in the long term if our merchants, partners, communities, and planet thrive too. In this report we provide an update on progress toward our sustainability priorities and share how Shopify is creating and supporting an ecosystem of inclusive entrepreneurship, innovation, and growth.
Download full reportEconomic Impact
Powering the global economy
Shopify helps people achieve independence by making it easier to start, run, and grow a business. We believe that the success of millions of independent business owners is critical to our world’s economic prosperity. And that every new business adds more value to the world.
By remaining focused on reducing the barriers to business ownership—instead of chasing revenue—we’re empowering millions of businesses to impact the global economy.
More than $444 billion in global economic activity enabled by Shopify, up 45% from 2020
5 million jobs created by Shopify merchants and partners, up 39% from 2020
$32 billion in revenue generated by the Shopify Partners, up 45% from 2020
$38 made by Shopify merchants for every $1 in revenue generated by Shopify in 2021
Global economic activity of Shopify merchants
Social Impact
Removing the barriers to entrepreneurship
Shopify exists to lower the barriers to business ownership for entrepreneurs of all ages and backgrounds. We support the entire entrepreneurial journey—from discovery and development to growth and success.
But we know the playing field is far from level. Socioeconomics, race, and gender are just a few of the factors affecting who can participate and how.
Our merchant education and equitable entrepreneurship programs are designed to improve accessibility, instill an innovation mindset, and empower business owners to thrive. We believe entrepreneurship is an opportunity for everybody—and the future of commerce should be as diverse as it is bright.
It has been amazing to connect with other Black entrepreneurs, where we can exchange ideas, connect, and collaborate with one another, all because we are on the Shopify platform. It has expanded my reach potential, which is exactly what I needed.
Participant | Shopify Build Black Program
Talent and Culture
Cultivating a culture of innovation
As a merchant-first, product-centered, mission-driven company, the core values of entrepreneurship are at the heart of our culture. We foster this spirit of entrepreneurship within the Shopify community by encouraging creativity, diverse perspectives, and bold innovation.
By recruiting, developing, and supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the Shopify ecosystem, and by fostering a healthy work-life balance, we’re creating space where our employees can show up as their authentic and best selves.
The rate of hires outside of the Americas, compared to rate of hires inside the Americas in 2021
Global employees, up 43% from 7,000 in 2020
Employees feel motivated to go above and beyond, compared to similar roles outside of Shopify
Climate Change
Building better commerce for a better planet
To bring our 100-year vision to life, we don’t just need to make commerce better. We need to take better care of our planet.
Reducing emissions is an important component of combating climate change, but there’s still too much carbon in the air. That’s why we’re tackling both. Shopify is funding high-quality carbon-removal projects to achieve the solutions the world needs to reach net zero at the scale and in the timeframe required.
But we can’t do it alone, which is why we’re providing opportunities for merchants and buyers to join us.
Commerce is a powerful vehicle for change. Individuals and businesses making conscious choices can change the world, and Shopify is committed to being an active driver of that change.
Tobi Lütke | CEO, Shopify
A sustainability commitment years in the making
Here’s how we got here, and where we’re going.
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