Clover and Sony Pictures Television Partner to Empower Small Businesses with Groundbreaking Initiatives
In a landmark move to address the staggering 50% small business failure rate in the U.S., Clover, the world’s smartest all-in-one point-of-sale solution, has teamed up with Sony Pictures Television (SPT), co-producer of the Emmy Award-winning series Shark Tank. Together, they unveiled a first-of-its-kind partnership at SXSW, introducing transformative initiatives aimed at supporting small businesses. Among these is the highly anticipated Clover x Shark Tank Summit, a multi-day event designed to inspire, educate, and empower entrepreneurs.
The partnership also includes the launch of the Access Pass grant program, a unique opportunity for small business owners to secure a spot at the summit, and a powerful new docuseries featuring Tabitha Brown, Clover’s newly appointed Chief Empowerment Officer. These groundbreaking efforts aim to tackle the root causes of small business failures, including inadequate planning, financial challenges, and marketing gaps, while celebrating the vital role small businesses play in driving economic growth and innovation.
Why This Partnership Matters
Small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy, accounting for 46% of all employees and generating $5.9 trillion in annual revenue. Yet, half of them fail within five years due to preventable issues like cash flow mismanagement, lack of mentorship, and insufficient marketing strategies. The ripple effects of these failures are profound, impacting local economies, communities, and culture.
“Supporting small businesses is my calling,” said Tabitha Brown during her SXSW debut as Clover’s Chief Empowerment Officer. “I’m beyond thrilled to announce this incredible partnership, and I can’t wait to make a meaningful impact together.”
By combining the influence of Shark Tank, the expertise of Clover, and Tabitha Brown’s passion for empowerment, this collaboration seeks to redefine how the world supports small businesses.
Introducing the Clover x Shark Tank Summit
Set to debut in Las Vegas from September 28-30, 2025, the Clover x Shark Tank Summit will bring together entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and investors for an immersive experience. Attendees will gain access to exclusive workshops, networking opportunities, and curated activities featuring the iconic Shark Tank Sharks, who will provide invaluable feedback to participants pitching their businesses on-site.
“The goal of the Clover x Shark Tank Summit is to showcase how the world supports small businesses and how we can continue to champion them,” said Mark Cuban, co-founder of Cost Plus Drugs and Shark Tank investor. Cuban joined Clover’s Chief Brand, Marketing, and Communications Officer, Shannon Watkins, and Justin Fenchel, CEO of BeatBox Beverages and Shark Tank entrepreneur, on stage at SXSW to spotlight the challenges facing small businesses and announce the summit.
This event aims to shift the odds in favor of entrepreneurs by equipping them with the tools, resources, and connections needed to thrive.
Access Pass Grant Program: Your Ticket to the Summit
To ensure accessibility for aspiring entrepreneurs, Clover introduced the Access Pass grant program. Entrepreneurs can enter for a chance to win participation in the summit, gaining access to unparalleled mentorship and exposure. The entry period opens on March 10 and runs through August 11. Interested applicants can visit Clover.com for more details.
“This initiative is about leveling the playing field for small business owners,” said Watkins. “When we empower small businesses, we uplift communities and have the power to change the world.”
A New Docuseries Featuring Tabitha Brown
As part of the partnership, Clover announced an inspiring new docuseries led by Tabitha Brown. The series will highlight untold stories of small businesses across the country, shedding light on their struggles, triumphs, and contributions to their communities. By amplifying these narratives, the docuseries aims to inspire viewers to support local entrepreneurs and champion their success.
“We’re thrilled to team up with Clover to bring Shark Tank fans and entrepreneurs together for our first Summit,” said Eli Holzman, President of Nonfiction at Sony Pictures Television. “Shark Tank is the leading brand in the small business and entrepreneurship space, and this collaboration allows us to create a new forum for founders, investors, and fans to engage directly.”
How You Can Get Involved
Entrepreneurs eager to take their businesses to the next level should mark their calendars for the Access Pass application window and stay tuned for updates on the Clover x Shark Tank Summit. For more information, visit Clover.com and follow @clovercommerce on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIn.
New episodes of Shark Tank air Fridays at 8/7c on ABC and stream the next day on Hulu. Follow @SharkTankABC on social media for the latest updates.
About the Partners
Clover
Clover, a division of Fiserv (NYSE: FI), is a Fortune 500 company and global leader in payments and financial technology. Its cloud-based point-of-sale and business management platform empowers small businesses to streamline operations and grow sustainably. As a member of the S&P 500® Index and recognized as one of Fortune’s Most Admired Companies™, Clover is committed to driving innovation at the intersection of commerce, culture, and community.
Shark Tank
Now in its 16th season, Shark Tank continues to be a trailblazer in the entrepreneurship space, giving innovators the chance to secure life-changing deals with self-made tycoons like Mark Cuban, Barbara Corcoran, Lori Greiner, Robert Herjavec, Daymond John, Kevin O’Leary, and Daniel Lubetzky. The show has earned five Emmy Awards for Outstanding Structured Reality Program.
Sony Pictures Television
Sony Pictures Television (SPT) is a leading content provider producing and distributing programming across all genres and platforms. SPT operates a robust portfolio of production companies and channels worldwide, making it a powerhouse in the entertainment industry.
