Allen Stone to headline ‘Small Business Live’ with 2 Chainz, T-Pain for minority-owned small businesses

Superfly has announced its latest event, “Small Business Live,” a philanthropic music experience supporting minority-owned small businesses across the country. “Small Business Live” is set for 1-7 p.m. Saturday on TikTok and includes performances at local small businesses close to artists’ hearts as well as other locations.

The lineup includes Chewelah’s Allen Stone – who will perform a set at Terrain’s From Here storefront in River Park Square at 808 W. Main Ave. at 1 p.m. Saturday – and, in other cities and locations, 2 Chainz, T-Pain, Brittany Howard, Leon Bridges, Brandi Carlile, Nathaniel Rateliff, Moon Taxi, Bam Marley and TikTok creator Jufu. Every artist involved is taking part in helping support a small business of their choosing.

“I wish I had a really eloquent, philosophical answer other than we are just incredibly excited, honored and humbled,” Ginger Ewing, Terrain executive director and co-founder, said Thursday afternoon of Stone’s selection. “I remember seeing him at our flagship event last year and his pure excitement and pride of place that an event like this was happening in a town he considers his hometown outside Chewelah.

“He is an incredibly gracious and generous soul, and there are not enough adoring words to say how humbled, honored and excited we are that he chose us to highlight.”

Artists will share stories behind what each business means to them and their communities. The event also will be streamed live on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitch, Twitter, LiveXLive and Bustle Digital Group’s publications, including bustle.com, and is presented by Superfly with founding partners TikTok, AT&T Business, GoDaddy, Vistaprint and Square.

“Three and a half million small businesses are currently at risk of permanent closure due to COVID-19, with a disproportionate number of them being minority-owned,” said Rich Goodstone, co-founder of Superfly, in a news release. “We look forward to raising the profile of this issue by showcasing amazing music performances and the stories of small businesses across America that urgently need our support.”

Proceeds from “Small Business Live” will be donated to Accion Opportunity Fund, who in turn will give a $2,000 grant to each small business featured by the artists. Superfly selected the nonprofit based on its 30 years of providing 90% of its loans to small businesses founded by people of color, as well as supporting immigrant- and women-owned businesses. Viewers will be encouraged to donate to the cause via text per a code that will be made available during the event.

“Entrepreneurs of color are denied credit more often and charged higher rates for money they borrow to fund their businesses. We need to accelerate support to underserved businesses in order to reach our full potential,” said Luz Urrutia, CEO of Accion Opportunity Fund, in a news release.

“We have to decide what we want our Main Streets to look like when this is over, and we must act decisively to keep small businesses alive and ready to rebuild. This is a fun way to do something really important. Everyone’s support will make a huge difference to small-business owners, their families and employees who have been devastated by this pandemic, the recession and centuries of racism, xenophobia and oppression.”

Superfly is a live entertainment and brand experience company focused on shaping how the world plays and connects. Founded in 1996, Superfly’s expertise is building cultural experiences with a distinct identity such as the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, Outside Lands and the Friends Experience.