Lowe’s, LISC’s small business grant program partner, launched a creative program to identify and give an opportunity to diverse small businesses to pitch their products to Lowe’s. Lowe’s is partnering with Daymond John, star of ABC’s Shark Tank, on a program called “Making it… With Lowe’s”, which invites hundreds of entrepreneurs to break through traditional processes and pitch their products directly to Lowe’s for a chance to be sold on Lowes.com and in Lowe’s physical stores.

Application deadline: Applications must be submitted before 11:59 pm on Sept. 25.

Application page:  Business owners can apply online at: https://www.lowes.com/l/making-it-with-lowes

The program:  Lowe’s will review applications and will identify an initial 375 small businesses. The pool will narrow to 75 who will be invited to submit more in-depth stories via video. The search will culminate in a one-day virtual pitch challenge hosted by Daymond John where five 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.   Leading up to the pitch, Daymond John will mentor the group as they prepare.  Lowe’s is encouraging innovative, startup businesses and suppliers who offer retail products in both home improvement and non-traditional home improvement product categories to apply, especially women-,minority-, veteran-and LGBTQ-owned businesses.  Categories being considered include farm and ranch equipment, microban or antimicrobial products, accessible home, touchless products, home gardening, home décor product and more. 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.