Lenovo Launches Year 4 of Evolve Small, Leveraging AI to Drive Small Business Growth

Rhea-AI Summary

Lenovo has launched Year 4 of its Evolve Small initiative, focusing on supporting small businesses through AI-powered technology, grants, and mentorship across ten North American cities. The program introduces a new AI Grant that includes Lenovo technology packages, AI training, and mentorship support through Goodie Nation.

The initiative, partnering with Intel, Microsoft, and Goodie Nation, will provide nearly US$5 million in grants and resources through 2025. The program includes mental health and leadership coaching led by Chantel Cohen of CWC Coaching and Therapy. Applications are open from January 27, 2025, to February 17, 2025, for eligible small businesses in selected metropolitan areas including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, San Diego, Houston, Washington D.C., Toronto, and Vancouver.

Positive

• Commitment to invest nearly US$5 million in grants and resources through 2025
• Strategic partnerships with major tech companies (Intel, Microsoft)
• Expansion of program to include AI-focused technology and training

Negative

• geographical reach (only 10 metropolitan areas)
• Short application window (3 weeks)

Applications are now open for the latest iteration of Evolve Small, providing AI-powered technology, grants and mentorship to champion small businesses across ten cities in North America.

RALEIGH, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today, Lenovo is pleased to announce the launch of Year 4 of its Evolve Small initiative, leveraging AI to support small businesses with financial aid, technology and mentorship. Throughout the last three years, Evolve Small has driven significant impact for small businesses, directly benefiting thousands of entrepreneurs across North America by providing millions of dollars in resources. New to this year’s initiative, small businesses in ten major metropolitan areas throughout North America will receive an AI Grant, featuring AI solutions for their small business as well as access to experts for training on how to implement AI into their day-to-day work.

(Photo: Lenovo)

“By using AI for good, we can help small businesses thrive like never before,” said Milo Speranzo, Chief Marketing Officer, Lenovo North America. “Small businesses are more than just companies – they are drivers of community, innovation and resilience. Lenovo Evolve Small has proven that investing in small businesses creates a ripple effect of growth and opportunity and this year, we’re excited to reach even more businesses.”

This year, Lenovo Evolve Small is proud to introduce the AI Grant, designed to demystify AI for small businesses and help them integrate AI into their everyday operations. The AI Grant includes a comprehensive Lenovo technology package, AI training, as well as access to mentorship and community support through non-profit Goodie Nation. By investing in AI, Lenovo aims to empower small businesses to compete effectively with larger companies, ensuring they remain the beating heart of our local communities. Later this year, Lenovo will showcase real world examples of how small businesses across industries are successfully adopting AI.

Now in its fourth year, Evolve Small continues to champion small businesses across North America through partnerships with Intel, Microsoft and Goodie Nation. The program provides financial assistance, advanced technology and mentorship, along with mental health and leadership coaching, led by Chantel Cohen of CWC Coaching and Therapy. These resources are set up to empower entrepreneurs to overcome challenges, drive growth and achieve long-term success. Applications are now open at Lenovo.com/EvolveSmall.

Joey Womack, CEO and Founder of Goodie Nation, added, “What sets Evolve Small apart is that it goes beyond funding and is focused on building lasting ecosystems of support. We’ve seen businesses transform through this program and we’re thrilled to be partnering with Lenovo to continue to support businesses that make a positive impact on their communities every day.”

Since its initial launch in 2021 and through 2025, Evolve Small will provide nearly US$5 million in grants and resources to small businesses across North America, empowering entrepreneurs to thrive.

Applications for this year’s program are now open. Visit Lenovo.com/EvolveSmall to learn more and apply today!

No purchase necessary. Void outside the Eligibility Area and where prohibited. Open to legal residents of the US or Canada (excl Quebec), who are at least 18+/age of majority entering on behalf of a Small Business (as defined in the Rules) located in (a) the greater metropolitan areas of Atlanta, Georgia; Chicago, Illinois; Dallas, Texas; Los Angeles, California; Miami, Florida; San Diego, California; Houston, Texas; and Washington D.C. in the US; & (b) the greater metropolitan areas of Toronto, Ontario and Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada (“Eligibility Area”) and either are the owners of the eligible Small Business or have the authority from a Small Business owner to submit an entry on its behalf. Begins 8:00 am ET on 1/27/25; ends 8:59 pm ET on 2/17/25. For Official Rules/eligibility, visit EvolveSmallYearFour.com.

About Lenovo

Lenovo is a US$57 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #248 in the Fortune Global 500, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All, Lenovo has built on its success as the world’s largest PC company with a full-stack portfolio of AI-enabled, AI-ready, and AI-optimized devices (PCs, workstations, smartphones, tablets), infrastructure (server, storage, edge, high performance computing and software defined infrastructure), software, solutions, and services. Lenovo’s continued investment in world-changing innovation is building a more equitable, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY). To find out more visit https://www.lenovo.com, and read about the latest news via our StoryHub.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250127001017/en/

Virginia Ford

vford@lenovo.com

Source: Lenovo

FAQ

What is the application deadline for Lenovo's Evolve Small program in 2025?

Applications for LNVGY's Evolve Small program close at 8:59 pm ET on February 17, 2025.

How much funding is Lenovo (LNVGY) providing through the Evolve Small initiative?

Lenovo is providing nearly US$5 million in grants and resources to small businesses through the Evolve Small initiative through 2025.

Which cities are eligible for Lenovo's Evolve Small AI grants in 2025?

The program is available in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, San Diego, Houston, Washington D.C., Toronto, and Vancouver.

What does Lenovo's Evolve Small AI Grant package include?

The AI Grant includes a Lenovo technology package, AI training, and access to mentorship and community support through Goodie Nation.

Who are the major partners in Lenovo's 2025 Evolve Small program?

The major partners are Intel, Microsoft, and Goodie Nation, along with CWC Coaching and Therapy for mental health and leadership coaching.