Mark Cuban and a team of business leaders have announced the Clover x Shark Tank Summit, a three-day event aimed at equipping small business owners with the tools they need to thrive. Set to take place in Las Vegas from September 28 to 30, the summit is a joint initiative by Clover, a cloud-based payment and business solutions provider, and Sony Pictures Television, the producer of the hit investment show Shark Tank.

Unveiled at SXSW on March 10, the summit will feature Cuban alongside Tabitha Brown—actress, entrepreneur, and Clover’s chief empowerment officer—as well as Justin Fenchel, a Shark Tank entrepreneur. Shannon Watkins, CMO of Fiserv, which owns Clover, emphasized that the event is designed to address the biggest challenges small businesses face.

Addressing Small Business Failure Rates

“This small business summit is designed to help them with all of the major categories that drive to small business failure and help turn their stories around,” Watkins said. “We’re going to give them the full toolkit for success, whether that’s business planning, employee management, cash flow management, marketing and resiliency planning or future proofing their business.”

Statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics highlight the urgent need for such resources as nearly half of small businesses do not survive beyond five years. By bringing together industry leaders and experienced entrepreneurs, the summit aims to combat these failure rates and provide actionable strategies for long-term success.

Cuban’s Commitment to Small Business Owners

With his final season on Shark Tank currently airing, Cuban sees the summit as an opportunity to extend his support for entrepreneurs. He expressed admiration for Clover’s role in empowering small businesses, particularly those facing systemic barriers.

“I was really impressed with Clover and what they can do for small businesses, particularly people who typically don’t have all the opportunities that might be available to others,” Cuban said. “Some of the greatest opportunities often occur with the people who have been disrespected the most, and when you find those people, they’re willing to work the hardest.”

Pitching to the Sharks and Learning from Experts

The summit will offer attendees the rare opportunity to pitch to the “Sharks,” network with business leaders, and gain insights from industry experts. Sessions will focus on key aspects of running a business, ensuring that participants leave with practical knowledge to support their growth.

Clover, which serves over 785,000 merchants globally, is eager to showcase its technology solutions and services to more business owners. Watkins noted that the company’s mission is to act as a support system for entrepreneurs.

“The reason we are in business is to bring the dreams of entrepreneurs to life and be really their support system, the Robin to their Batman, as they bring their dreams to the forefront and share their love of their craft with the world,” she said.

Registration and Grant Opportunities

Registration for the summit opened on March 10 through Clover’s website. Entrepreneurs can also apply for the Access Pass Grant Program, aimed at helping those with limited resources attend the event. The application deadline is August 11, and the selection process will be overseen by Cuban, Brown, and others from Shark Tank. According to Watkins, they will evaluate applicants based on passion, originality, and sales potential.

A Bigger Spotlight on Small Business Challenges

As part of her commitment to small business owners, Brown also announced an upcoming docuseries, That’s Your Business, which will highlight the challenges faced by entrepreneurs. She emphasized the importance of offering support and resources to help small businesses thrive.

“Everybody just wants to know that somebody is willing to help them,” Brown said. “Being able to get the message across that you’re not alone in your journey was the thing that has lasted and we continue to last for me.”