MORRISVILLE, N.C. -- Lenovo launched Backing Every Business, a new global initiative designed to close the support gap facing small businesses. In partnership with actress, entrepreneur and investor Eva Longoria, founders around the world can apply for grant funding, AI-enabled technology and one-to-one mentorship, including from Longoria herself.

Small and medium-sized businesses fuel the world’s economy, representing approximately 90% of all businesses, 70% of employees and 50% of global GDP, according to the World Economic Forum. Their impact is anything but small, yet many founders struggle to access the capital, technology and strategic guidance needed to thrive. Backing Every Business aims to change that by combining financial support, meaningful peer connection and cutting-edge AI-powered technology to help founders grow and scale with confidence.

At the heart of the initiative is a cross-border mentorship program called Twinning which pairs small business owners across industries and geographies for one-to-one collaboration. Grounded in a simple idea — a problem shared is a problem halved — Twinning matches entrepreneurs facing similar challenges, transforming isolation into collaboration and shared momentum. For a select group of participants, that twin will be Eva Longoria herself.

“Being an entrepreneur is one of the hardest, most daring things you can do,” said Eva Longoria, actress, producer, entrepreneur and Twinning global ambassador. “Every entrepreneur reaches moments where they wish they had someone who truly understands the weight of what they’re building. What I love about Backing Every Business is that it’s built on creating that connection and goes beyond providing technology. It brings people together around the world to share experiences, learn from one another and grow. When entrepreneurs feel supported, entire communities benefit.”

Longoria, whose business portfolio spans hospitality, media, sports ownership and philanthropy, joins the program as an ambassador and a fellow entrepreneur who understands firsthand the realities of scaling a business. Longoria will serve as a mentor to selected founders, becoming the “anchor twin” in a global network built on shared ambition and lived experience.

While many small business programs offer funding or networking opportunities, Backing Every Business uniquely combines global peer-to-peer mentorship with hands-on AI enablement. Beyond providing technology, the program will help founders use AI in practical ways that matter - saving time on paperwork, sharpening marketing tactics, understanding customers and making smarter decisions. Lenovo has spent decades building the tools businesses rely on every day and this initiative turns that experience into hands-on support for entrepreneurs who don’t have time to waste.

Small businesses can apply for the chance to be supported by Lenovo and receive their very own business twin. Selected participants will receive: a $10,000 grant, Lenovo AI-enabled technology, 1:1 mentorship with Eva Longoria and their very own business twin who understands the realities of building a business.

For founders ready to scale, adapt and grow, the message is simple: you could be Eva Longoria's business twin.

Through Backing Every Business, Lenovo is building a global network where entrepreneurs gain the support, perspective and practical tools needed to succeed in an increasingly complex digital economy.

“With Lenovo, small businesses gain more than technology, they gain a partner who understands and is committed to their resilience, productivity and future. We empower ambition and help build a stronger global community,” said Emily Ketchen, Lenovo's CMO & SVP for the Intelligent Devices Group and International Sales Markets. “Our Backing Every Business global initiative gives small businesses the tools to tackle an increasingly complex digital world, connections to drive lasting value and opportunities to learn and scale for long term success.”

Additionally, the company is expanding its support for small businesses at the local level through an initiative called The Growth Lab. This initiative convenes entrepreneurs in collaborative, locally led sessions featuring hands-on coaching, peer learning and AI-enabled tools designed to address real-world business challenges.

Backing Every Business builds on Lenovo’s long-standing commitment to small businesses and represents the evolution of its Evolve Small initiative in North America into a global platform, built for sustained impact. Through storytelling, mentorship and community engagement, Lenovo continues to reinforce its commitment to empowering entrepreneurs at every stage, everywhere.

Applications are now open to eligible small business owners in Japan, Mexico, United Kingdom and United States. Selected participants will be notified in May 2026.