Big Boost for Small Business: Lenovo Awards Evolve Small Grant Winners Across North America

Lenovo, the global technology powerhouse, is proud to announce the 2025 cohort of small businesses selected to receive its latest grant award in the Evolve Small program. Created to promote and support small businesses across North America, the initiative is now in its fourth year. The ten winning businesses will receive $25,000 in grant funding, a technology package valued at $10,000 and comprehensive professional development for a year from non-profit Goodie Nation. For the first time ever, the annual grant prize package includes AI training, providing access to experts for insights on how to implement AI into their day-to-day work.  

“At Lenovo, we believe small businesses are the backbone of our communities and are at the heart of innovation. Through our Evolve Small initiative, we’re not just offering funding and technology, we’re creating a pathway for sustainable, AI-enabled growth,” said Milo Speranzo, Chief Marketing Officer of Lenovo North America. “This year’s recipients represent the bold, resilient spirit driving North America’s small business community forward. We’re proud to support their journey and can’t wait to see how they harness this momentum to drive new business outcomes.”  

After a competitive selection process from more than 900 applicants across North America, in partnership with entrepreneurship and community building non-profit, Goodie Nation, these ten businesses have been selected to receive the 2025 Evolve Small prize package: 

• Just Add Honey Tea Co. blends organic loose-leaf teas that are fresh and flavorful, bringing the joy of “fancy without the fuss” to tea lovers everywhere. (Atlanta) 

• Archway Pet crafts allergen-friendly and unshakably sustainable pet food products leveraging novel proteins like invasive fish and insect-based proteins. (Chicago) 

• Urban Hydration is hydrating skin and communities alike by offering plant-based skincare and haircare solutions, while partnering with nonprofits to deliver clean water to communities in need. (Dallas) 

• Coble Studios helps creators and brands bring their stories to life with broadcast-quality video, podcasts, and live event production powered by innovative technology. (Houston) 

• DungeonForward is redefining headwear and fashion, creating statement pieces that blend cultural heritage, innovation and artistic excellence. (Miami) 

• Cubtale is a personalized care platform giving new parents real-time, data-driven guidance to help make confident decisions across parenting challenges, from feeding to baby milestones. (Los Angeles) 

• Crossfaded Hair Studio blends the precision of barbering with the artistry of coloring, making modern urban haircuts and styles. (San Diego) 

• Fila Manila produces award-winning pantry staples inspired by Filipino culture, one of the largest AAPI communities with almost zero representation in mass grocery. (Washington, D.C.) 

• Helius Originals brings premium craftsmanship and sustainability to eco-luxury high-end cocktail and culinary smoking products for the hospitality and corporate gifting industries. (Toronto) 

• Simply Smile Studio offers personalized dental hygiene therapies in a safe, supportive space, prioritizing patients facing medical, mental, or financial barriers – ensuring oral health is within everyone’s reach. (Vancouver) 

In recent years, Lenovo has transformed from a top device maker into a technology solutions leader powered by AI. Guided by the conviction that Hybrid AI is key to inclusive progress, Lenovo’s Evolve Small program reaffirms its commitment to delivering smarter technology, and AI, for all—making AI tools and opportunities accessible to businesses of all sizes. By combining cutting-edge equipment, hands-on mentorship and training resources, the Evolve Small initiative supports entrepreneurs in scaling their operations and staying competitive. So far, Evolve Small has delivered more than $3.6 million in grants and technology across the U.S. and Canada, helping thousands of small business owners tap into new growth opportunities and future-proof their work. 

Additionally, as part of its ongoing commitment to small business, Lenovo has expanded its Evolve Small mission through various local partnerships. Most recently, collaborations with the Carolina Hurricanes and the New York Knicks helped amplify small business voices in their communities through grant funding, brand exposure and collaborative marketing opportunities that support long-term growth and success. These local initiatives reflect the same philosophy Lenovo brings to global partnerships like Formula 1 and FIFA—leveraging the power of sport and storytelling to build deeper community connections and drive inclusive growth at both the global and local level. 

For more information about the Evolve Small initiative and Lenovo’s commitment to empowering small businesses, please visit Lenovo.com/EvolveSmall.

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