October 14, 2022

Queen Latifah Is The New Face Of Lenovo’s Small Business Initiative

Lenovo has partnered with multi-award-winning actor, producer, recording artist, label president, and entrepreneur Queen Latifah to support small businesses.

Launched last year, the tech giant’s Evolve Small program provides North American small businesses with financial aid, tech resources, community support, and business mentorship.

“I understand the hardships small businesses face and how much more challenging those hardships can be for businesses owned by women and minorities,” Queen Latifah explained.

“Knowing how the support I received back when I got started helped me get to where I am today – I’m excited to pay it forward and help others along the way through this partnership with Lenovo’s Evolve Small initiative.”

What do recipients recieve?

Cash infusion

Last year’s program saw selected recipients receive over $1 million in grants and technology donations.

As part of this year’s selection process, applicants must submit a short pitch video. The selected small businesses will receive up to $30,000 cash infusion and $10,000 worth of technology.

Mentorship

In addition to mentorship from Lenovo’s team, selected businesses will also benefit from one-on-one mentorship with the Queen herself.

“They can ask anything they want. Whatever it is they may need from me, I’ll be there for that,” Queen Latifah told The Hollywood Reporter.

Marketing

Selected recipients will also have the opportunity to incorporate Queen Latifah in their marketing materials.

“There’s some really cool, creative people out there with businesses that no one knows about, and if my face can help bring attention to [them], then I would love to help your business go through the roof.”

Lenovo is accepting submissions until November 15, 2022.

Samara Linton

Community Manager at POCIT | Co-editor of The Colour of Madness: Mental Health and Race in Technicolour (2022), and co-author of Diane Abbott: The Authorised Biography (2020)