Lendistry announces today that Los Angeles Sparks forward-center, Azurá Stevens, has signed on as the minority-led fintech’s first brand ambassador. Headquartered in a Los Angeles Opportunity Zone, Lendistry is the leading non-bank source of SBA 7(a) loans to small businesses in LA County and became the Official Small Business Lender of the LA Sparks in 2024. This collaboration deepens the lender’s connection to the Sparks and supports its mission of changing the game for small businesses in LA and nationwide, especially those in underserved communities.
“We are so proud to welcome Azurá to the Lendistry team–like us, she’s community-driven and wants her wins to help others win, too,” says Leeann Lynch, Chief Strategic Officer at Lendistry. “Through this collaboration, we hope to show women, entrepreneurs, and young people what can happen when you commit to excellence for yourself and for something larger than yourself.”
In late 2024 after participating in events throughout the year involving over 2,000 kids, Stevens received the 2024 Season-long WNBA Cares Community Assist Award. She is also no stranger to the impact of small business on families and local communities as her dad, a chef and entrepreneur, owns Same O Dame O’s, a food truck in North Carolina that serves shrimp, fish and grits. Stevens recently helped the USA team win silver at the 2024 FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup, and is currently playing for team Rose in the inaugural season of 3×3 basketball league, Unrivaled.
“I am super excited to be joining the Lendistry family,” says Stevens. “I love how Lendistry supports small business especially black & brown owned businesses and pours into the LA community. Two things that deeply resonate with me. I look forward to partnering with Lendistry and continuing the work to support small businesses.”
As Lendistry’s ambassador, Stevens will help Lendistry spread the word about financing options for small businesses to grow, while serving as a reminder of the passion, resilience and grit that athletes and small business owners share.
About Lendistry
B.S.D. Capital, Inc. dba Lendistry (lendistry.com) is a minority-led fintech that provides innovative lending products for small businesses and administers grant programs for government agencies nationwide. Headquartered in a Los Angeles Opportunity Zone, Lendistry uses technology and community partnerships to overcome systemic barriers to capital access and has deployed over $10 billion since its inception. In 2024, Lendistry CEO Everett K. Sands was an Entrepreneur Of The Year® Greater Los Angeles award winner. Lendistry has both Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and Community Development Entity (CDE) certifications and is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco. Lendistry SBLC, LLC is an SBA Preferred Lender and the nation’s only African American-led SBA designated Small Business Lending Company. In collaboration with The Center by Lendistry, a nonprofit business education organization, Lendistry provides economic opportunities and progressive growth for underserved urban and rural small business borrowers and their communities.
