Queen Latifah wants to uplift small businesses.

The multihyphenate who co-founded Flavor Unit Entertainment in 1995 understands the unique challenges small businesses face when maintaining seamless operations, especially in the first few years. From keeping the lights on, building brand recognition, hiring staff, and ensuring customer satisfaction, it isn't always easy for companies trying to find their footing.

These are among the reasons why the Grammy Award winner is willing to lend her likeness to select small businesses in six major cities. Utilizing AI technology, she will represent these brands on billboards and social media. "Lenovo came to me about "Evolve Small" and being able to offer finance, tech, and mentorship was a cool idea, especially when it's directed towards minority women and those with disabilities," she continued. "Small businesses are the backbone of this country, and to be part of an initiative that helps them succeed is really important."

Moreover, "The Equalizer" actress acknowledges that there are certain costs that small businesses can't manage. "They can't afford someone like me; I couldn't afford Queen Latifah when I opened my business," she continued. "Having access to someone who can help promote their business and I don't have to be there… is a positive way to use this technology [AI]."

One small business in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Raleigh, Toronto, or Los Angeles will be eligible to win the platinum prize, which includes a cash grant of $15,000, the latest Lenovo technology, leadership and mental health support, and small business coaching from mental health counselor Chantel Cohen.

Furthermore, a 1:1 mentorship session with Queen Latifah is included, in which she suggests that you come prepared to ask everything you want to know from a business perspective. "They should tell me about their challenges, concerns, ideas about creative things, and [even] how they're feeling," said Queen Latifah. "One thing I know for sure, especially when it comes to women, is that we go hard and do so many things, and sometimes we don't take care of ourselves."

In fact, considering her needs is also something that the Emmy winner has faced as she's built her career. "It was a constant challenge, and it still is. Sometimes I just want to go go go, but I need just to stop and sit still," she shared. Over time, she has learned to incorporate more self-care into her life by indulging in baths instead of showers, getting massages, or simply resting. "I've been reading a lot more—three books right now, "Older, but Better, but Older From the Authors of How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are," I have Jada's and, of course, Kerry Washington's—and listening to books like Rick Rubin's.

Nevertheless, she is gearing up to resume filming for "The Equalizer," slated to return on Feb. 18, 2024, after Thanksgiving, following the approval of a tentative agreement by SAG-AFTRA that ended the actors' strike. "Back to the action, drama, the emotion, and some fun stuff," she said.

For businesses interested in participating in Lenovo/Evolve Small, applications can be submitted through www.Lenovo.com/EvolveSmall. Submissions will be accepted until Nov. 27.