Business
Clover Partners with Shark Tank for Small Business Summit

AUSTIN, Texas — Clover and Sony Pictures Television announced a pioneering partnership on March 3 to address the 50% failure rate of small businesses in the U.S. through the inaugural Clover x Shark Tank Summit, set to take place in Las Vegas from September 28-30, 2025.
The summit aims to support the 33.2 million small businesses that generate nearly $5.9 trillion in annual revenue and provide nearly half of private sector jobs, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The event will include unique activities featuring investors from ‘Shark Tank,’ giving entrepreneurs the chance to pitch ideas and receive critical feedback.
“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, ‘Shark Tank’ investor and co-founder of Cost Plus Drugs.
New initiatives were also introduced, including the Access Pass grant program for small business owners, which opens for entries on March 10 and runs until August 11. This program aims to break barriers to entrepreneurial success by providing financial support and resources needed by small business owners.
Shannon Watkins, Chief Brand, Marketing, and Communications Officer at Fiserv (Clover’s parent company), stated, “When we empower small businesses, we uplift communities and have the power to change the world. That belief is at the heart of who we are and what we do as a company.”
At the event, Tabitha Brown, also known for her role as Clover’s Chief Empowerment Officer, announced a new docuseries titled “That’s Your Business,” which will highlight the stories of small businesses across America. “Supporting small businesses is my calling,” Brown said. “I’m beyond thrilled to announce this incredible partnership, and I can’t wait to make a meaningful impact together.”
Watkins emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges that lead to failure among small businesses. According to statistics, common issues contributing to this 50% failure rate include inadequate planning, cash flow problems, poor marketing, and inability to adapt to market changes.
“There are fixable reasons for most of the failures among small businesses,” Watkins noted, adding that this initiative provides critical resources and education necessary for longevity in business.
The Clover x Shark Tank Summit will also feature networking opportunities with leaders in finance, technology, culture, and entertainment, ensuring a comprehensive support system for attendees.
As part of their commitment to uplifting small businesses, the partnership with Shark Tank represents a convergence of commerce, culture, and community, aiming to redefine the future of entrepreneurship.
Participants interested in the summit can find additional information and resources at Clover.com.