Charitable or community-minded partnership may help to garner do-it-yourself tech products some welcome publicity, or even help to build on their core user demographic. But when it comes to actually pushing those solutions into the mainstream waters of corporate clients, such promotions may do little to address the resistance and trust issues standing in the way of DIY tech’s broader growth. 

Still, if you’re going to partner with someone, a professional basketball player seems like a good choice. Last week, LegalZoom announced that it had joined forces with the NBA for a community initiative called “Fast Break For Small Business.” The program donates $6 million in grants and LegalZoom services to small businesses, particularly those owned by underrepresented communities.