Daymond John Partners With Lowe's to Help Minority-Owned Businesses

In a partnership with Shark Tank‘s Daymond John, Lowe’s has announced that they are creating opportunities for diverse small minority-owned businesses to pitch their products to a Fortune 50 company according to a press release.

The initiative, Making it… With Lowe’s is inviting hundreds of entrepreneurs to pitch their products directly to Lowe’s for a chance to have their products sold on Lowes.com and also in Lowe’s physical locations offline, providing customers unprecedented access to the most innovative home improvement products they may never have found otherwise.

“Making It With Lowe’s is giving these minority-owned businesses a much-deserved chance to shine while uncovering unique, smart products that will make Lowe’s shelves even more appealing to customers,” said Daymond John of ABC’s Shark Tank in a written statement. “The pandemic has created a situation where business owners are constantly pivoting and deepening their creativity and problem-solving abilities, especially minority-owned businesses who have more at stake, more to lose. I can’t wait to get started.”

The program has already started and through Sept. 25, diverse small business owners can apply on Lowes.com/MakingItWithLowes. Lowe’s will start by identifying an initial 375 small businesses, and then the pool will narrow down to 75. Those selected will be invited to submit more in-depth stories via video. It will also provide a shot at gleaning mentoring, advice, and support from a FORTUNE® 50 retailer committed to boosting the very backbone of America’s economy.

“When Lowe’s introduced our grant program for minority-, women- and rural-owned small businesses impacted by the pandemic earlier this year, we were humbled by the overwhelming response for the grants and we were impressed by the creativity, passion, and vision from hundreds of thousands of applicants – and we instantly knew we wanted to do more,” said Lowe’s President and CEO Marvin R. Ellison. “Offering our customers greater access to products being created by diverse small business owners allows Lowe’s digital and physical shelves nationwide to better reflect the diverse communities we serve and ensures our customers have access to the most innovative and valued home improvement products in the marketplace.”

The search will end with a one-day virtual pitch challenge which will be hosted by John where five of the diverse small business owners will pitch their product “live” to Lowe’s CEO and other executives for the chance to become a Making It… With Lowe’s small business partner. John will mentor the group as they prepare for their biggest pitch ever.

The finalists will be announced and featured on Lowes.com later this year, and the Making It … With Lowe’s results will be revealed on Lowe’s social channels in early 2021.

To learn more, visit Lowes.com/MakingItWithLowes.