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More Than 400 Million Small Businesses Exist Worldwide
More than 400 million small businesses exist worldwide, accounting for an estimated 99% of all businesses. Yet the harsh reality is that 50% of small businesses fail within five years of launch. To change this, Clover — the world's smartest all-in-one POS solution — and Shark Tank have partnered to forge a new path to small business success. The two partners, broadcasting live from the SXSW stage on March 10, 2025, announced the Clover x Shark Tank Summit — a small business conference featuring their first-ever partnership, the Access Pass grant program for small and medium businesses, and the world premiere of a powerful new documentary series starring Clover's Chief Empowerment Officer Tabitha Brown.
Small business failure has an enormous impact on the world — not just economically, but culturally and creatively. The Clover and Shark Tank partnership aims to change the small business failure rate at the intersection of community, commerce, and culture. This article covers the discussion of the keys to small business success at SXSW, where the key figures from Clover and Shark Tank took the stage.
Mark Cuban on the Keys to Small Business Success Tabitha Brown on the Secrets of Small Business Success Justin Fenchel's Advice to the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs Summary Mark Cuban on the Keys to Small Business Success
Mark Cuban, the popular Shark Tank investor
Mark Cuban — popular Shark Tank investor and co-founder of MCCPDC (Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs Company) — shared the keys to small business success from his own experience.
Cuban said, "When starting a small business, the most important thing is to truly love your product or service. If you love it so much that you think of it as a public service you're providing, you'll have taken the first step toward success." He added, "It's also important to stay curious. You can use new technologies like AI to strengthen your competitive edge and create new opportunities."
Cuban Himself Started a Small Business When He Was Young
Cuban himself started a small business when he was young and experienced failure many times. But those experiences are what led to his success today. "It's important to keep trying without fear of failure. Even if you fail 99 times, succeeding once is enough," Cuban said with conviction.
Tabitha Brown on the Secrets of Small Business Success
Tabitha Brown, Clover's Chief Empowerment Officer, shared the secrets to small business success that she has learned from her own experience.
Brown said, "When starting a small business, passion is everything. Don't do it just for the money. If it isn't something you truly love, you won't be able to get through the hard times." She added, "Patience and consistency are also indispensable. Not rushing for immediate results, but steadily putting in effort every single day — that is the shortcut to success."
Brown herself started a small business due to health challenges. At first, sales were slow and there were difficult stretches, but by persisting without giving up, she eventually built a brand that is loved by many people. "Believe in your dreams and take it one step at a time," she said with conviction.
Justin Fenchel's Advice to the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
Justin Fenchel's Advice to the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
Justin Fenchel — co-founder and CEO of Austin-based BeatBox Beverages and a Shark Tank entrepreneur — offered advice to the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Fenchel said, "In today's world, it is extremely important to leverage new technologies like AI. Especially for younger generations looking to start a business, you should learn everything you can about AI." He added, "The key to success is using your own strengths while leveraging AI to drive efficiency."
Fenchel also said, "Building a community of fellow entrepreneurs is important too. By sharing information and supporting each other with people who share your ambitions, you can get through difficult periods." BeatBox itself grew with the support of many people. "Never try to fight alone — the shortcut to success is accepting the help of those around you," he said with conviction.
The Clover and Shark Tank partnership is forging a new path to small business success. The experience and insight of successful entrepreneurs like Mark Cuban, Tabitha Brown, and Justin Fenchel is extremely valuable for anyone looking to start a business. The three points they all emphasize are:
Love Your Product or Service Genuinely, and Keep Your Passion Alive
Love your product or service genuinely, and keep your passion alive
Have patience, and consistently put in effort every single day
Leverage new technologies, and accept the help of those around you
Keeping these points close to heart and moving forward one step at a time toward your dreams may be the most direct path to small business success. We look forward to the Clover and Shark Tank partnership inspiring many entrepreneurs and opening a new era for small businesses.
The Clover x Shark Tank Summit will be held in Las Vegas from September 28 to 30, 2025. This multi-day event aims to provide entrepreneurs with the inspiration, access, and support they need to put themselves in a winning position. An Access Pass was also announced — a unique opportunity for small business owners to enter for a chance to attend the inaugural Clover x Shark Tank Summit. The entry period for the "Clover x Shark Tank Summit" runs from March 10 through August 11. Entrepreneurs looking to take their business to the next level can find more details at Clover.com.
Reference
Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkJfCMycJRk https://www.clover.com/
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