Daymond John, star of ABC’s Shark Tank, is once again teaming up with Lowe’s Home Improvement stores for it’s “Making It” program, which offers businesses a once-in-a-lifetime shot to pitch their product to top Lowe’s executives. The product pitching competition strives to provide diverse entrepreneurs the opportunity to boost their business by being sold on Lowes.com or in Lowe’s stores nationwide.

According to Small Business Majority, nearly one-third of minority small businesses in the United States were forced to close due to the pandemic. Lowe’s not only strives to be a champion in supplier diversity but hopes to give diverse small business owners the tools to overcome an overwhelming number of obstacles.

John, who hosted Lowe’s first Making It… With Lowe’s event in 2020 will once again be lending his own entrepreneurial advice to the program’s finalists.

“Making It… With Lowe’s shines a light on the remarkable stories of small business owners who are often overlooked and underrepresented,” said John. “Last year’s program underscored the importance of giving entrepreneurs an opportunity to break through traditional processes. This year, as so many diverse small business owners begin the recovery process, it is even more important to provide them with a much-deserved space to succeed.”

“As a company that began as a single store 100 years ago, we know firsthand how important small businesses are to the communities they serve. Through Making It… With Lowe’s, we can help diverse entrepreneurs reach their dreams of growing and scaling their businesses, all while helping us find innovative, clever and solution-driven products that we’re proud to offer,” said Marvin R. Ellison, Chairman and CEO of Lowe’s. “Making It… With Lowe’s is an extension of our commitment to underserved communities and helps us ensure our products are as diverse as our associates and customers.”

Through July 30, diverse small business owners who are members of the LGBTQ+ community, minorities, people with disabilities, veterans and women are encouraged to apply at Lowes.com/MakingItWithLowes with innovative products both in and beyond home improvement categories.