Lenovo Teams Up with Eva Longoria for Global “Business Twins” Initiative to Empower Global Entrepreneurs

MARKETING

3/18/20262 min read

Eva Longoria in a professional beige suit working at a modern office desk with a Lenovo ThinkPad laptop.
Eva Longoria in a professional beige suit working at a modern office desk with a Lenovo ThinkPad laptop.

Entrepreneurs worldwide can now apply to be mentored by Eva Longoria as her “business twin.”

Small businesses are the backbone of the global economy, but many founders still face a critical gap in access to capital, technology, and mentorship. Lenovo’s new “Backing Every Business” initiative, launched in partnership with Eva Longoria, is designed to close that gap with a fresh, human-centered approach to entrepreneurship.

At the core of the program is a unique concept: “Business Twinning.”

The initiative pairs entrepreneurs from around the world based on shared challenges, creating one-to-one partnerships that foster collaboration, problem-solving, and growth. For a select group of founders, that “twin” could even be Eva Longoria herself, who joins the program as a mentor and ambassador.

Solving the Small Business Support Gap

The timing of the initiative reflects a major global reality. Small and medium-sized businesses account for approximately 90% of businesses, 70% of employment, and 50% of global GDP, yet many struggle to scale due to limited resources and support.

Lenovo’s program aims to address that imbalance by combining three critical elements:

  • Funding (including $10,000 grants)

  • AI-powered technology

  • Personalized mentorship and peer collaboration

Rather than focusing on just one solution, the initiative creates a more holistic support system, designed to help entrepreneurs navigate real-world challenges in real time.

The Power of “Twinning”

What makes the program stand out is its emphasis on peer-to-peer connection.

Through the Twinning model, entrepreneurs are matched with others facing similar business hurdles, regardless of geography or industry. The idea is simple but powerful: shared challenges can lead to shared solutions.

This approach transforms entrepreneurship from an isolated journey into a collaborative one, where founders can exchange insights, test ideas, and accelerate decision-making together.

For Longoria, who has built a diverse business portfolio spanning media, hospitality, and investment, the initiative is deeply personal. She emphasizes that entrepreneurship often lacks a built-in support system, and that connection can be just as valuable as capital.

AI as a Practical Growth Tool

Beyond mentorship, Lenovo is embedding AI directly into the entrepreneurial toolkit.

Participants will gain access to AI-enabled technology designed to streamline everyday business functions, from marketing and customer insights to operational efficiency and decision-making.

This focus on practical AI use reflects a broader shift: technology is no longer just a backend function, it’s becoming a frontline growth driver for small businesses.

Building a Global Entrepreneurial Network

The initiative is also expanding Lenovo’s existing support for small businesses into a global platform, evolving its previous regional programs into a more scalable, interconnected ecosystem.

In addition to Twinning, Lenovo is launching The Growth Lab, a series of locally led sessions offering coaching, peer learning, and hands-on support tailored to real business challenges.

Applications are currently open to entrepreneurs in select markets, including the United States, United Kingdom, Mexico, and Japan.

The Bigger Picture

Support is no longer just about funding or tools, it’s about connection, collaboration, and context.

Lenovo’s “Business Twins” model reframes how entrepreneurs grow, moving from isolated problem-solving to shared momentum.

Because in today’s economy, the most powerful advantage isn’t just technology, it’s having someone who understands exactly what you’re building.

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