Lenovo launches global program for small business support

• Founders worldwide can now apply to Lenovo’s new Backing Every Business initiative, which offers grants, AI‑powered tools and a cross‑border mentorship network.
• The program includes a “Twinning” system that pairs entrepreneurs facing similar challenges, with some receiving direct mentorship from Eva Longoria.
• Lenovo aims to provide practical, technology‑driven assistance to small businesses while expanding its long‑term commitment to entrepreneurial communities.

Lenovo has introduced a global initiative

designed to strengthen support systems for small businesses, a sector that represents the majority of companies worldwide yet often struggles to access essential resources. The Backing Every Business program combines financial assistance, AI‑enabled technology and structured mentorship to help founders navigate the increasingly complex digital landscape. It arrives at a time when small and medium‑sized enterprises account for roughly 90% of global businesses and half of worldwide GDP, according to the World Economic Forum. Despite this economic weight, many entrepreneurs continue to face barriers in funding, digital adoption and strategic guidance.

A central element of the initiative is Twinning, a mentorship model that pairs entrepreneurs across industries and regions. The concept is built on the idea that shared challenges can be more manageable when addressed collaboratively. Participants are matched with peers who understand similar operational pressures, creating a support network that extends beyond traditional business coaching. A select group of founders will also receive direct mentorship from actress, producer and entrepreneur Eva Longoria, who joins the program as its global ambassador.

Longoria brings experience from her work

across hospitality, media, sports ownership and philanthropy, offering a perspective shaped by hands‑on involvement in multiple ventures. She emphasizes the emotional and strategic challenges of entrepreneurship, noting that many founders lack access to peers who understand the weight of their decisions. Her role in the program is intended to provide both practical insight and a sense of connection within a global community of business owners. By serving as an “anchor twin,” she will help set the tone for a network built on shared learning rather than competition.

While many small business programs focus on funding or networking, Lenovo’s approach integrates these elements with AI‑driven enablement. The company aims to help founders apply artificial intelligence to everyday tasks such as document management, customer analysis and marketing optimization. These tools are intended to reduce administrative burdens and support more informed decision‑making. Lenovo’s long history in building business‑focused hardware and software ecosystems provides the foundation for this hands‑on support, which targets entrepreneurs who often lack time and resources to explore new technologies independently.

Selected applicants will receive a package

that includes a $10,000 grant, Lenovo AI‑enabled devices and one‑to‑one mentorship. The combination of financial support and technology is designed to accelerate growth for businesses preparing to scale. Participants will also be paired with a business twin who understands the realities of building a company, creating a structure that encourages ongoing collaboration. This model aims to reduce the isolation that many founders experience, particularly in early‑stage or resource‑constrained environments.

Lenovo positions Backing Every Business as an evolution of its previous Evolve Small initiative, which focused primarily on North America. The new program expands that effort into a global platform intended to deliver sustained impact. Through mentorship, storytelling and community engagement, the company seeks to reinforce its long‑term commitment to supporting entrepreneurs at various stages of development. The initiative reflects Lenovo’s broader strategy of aligning its technology portfolio with real‑world business needs, especially as digital transformation becomes essential for competitiveness.

In addition to the global program,

Lenovo is launching The Growth Lab, a localized effort that brings entrepreneurs together for collaborative sessions. These workshops include hands‑on coaching, peer learning and AI‑enabled tools tailored to practical business challenges. The Growth Lab is designed to complement the broader initiative by addressing region‑specific needs and fostering community‑level support networks. It also provides a space for founders to test ideas, refine strategies and learn from one another in a structured environment.

The company highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability for small businesses operating in a rapidly changing digital economy. Lenovo’s leadership emphasizes that technology alone is not enough; meaningful support requires a combination of tools, guidance and community. By integrating these elements, Backing Every Business aims to help entrepreneurs build confidence and long‑term stability. The initiative underscores the role of small businesses as engines of economic growth and innovation, particularly in markets where access to resources remains uneven.

Eva Longoria has been increasingly active in business and investment circles over the past decade, expanding her portfolio beyond entertainment. Her involvement in entrepreneurship‑focused initiatives has included restaurant ventures, media production companies and philanthropic projects supporting underrepresented founders. This background adds context to her participation in Lenovo’s program, positioning her as more than a celebrity ambassador and aligning her with broader efforts to promote inclusive economic growth.