CHAMPIONS
CONNECT
HERE
The Super Bowl LVI Business Connect program identifies and supports minority, woman, LGBTQ+ and veteran-owned businesses through professional development, networking, and contract opportunities.
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ABOUT
SUPER BOWL LVI BUSINESS CONNECT
The Super Bowl LVI Business Connect program is a partnership between the National Football League (NFL) and the Los Angeles Super Bowl Host Committee (LASEC). The program works to connect experienced, event-ready Los Angeles County businesses with opportunities to compete for contracts related to Super Bowl LVI. The Business Connect program is committed to supporting minority, woman, LGBTQ+ and veteran-owned businesses through professional development, networking and contract opportunities. Certified businesses selected for the program will be profiled in the Business Connect Resource Guide, which NFL vendors and event producers use to identify and select local suppliers to fulfill their Super Bowl LVI sub-contracting needs.
OBJECTIVES
- Facilitate workshops to prepare suppliers to compete for contracts related to the Super Bowl, as well as focus on new business strategies that help member companies enhance and manage their business growth.
- Bring together Business Connect suppliers and procurement executives from leading Los Angeles corporations to network.
- Curate a robust list of up to 250 qualified businesses, in more than 30 frequently requested business disciplines, to compete for contracting opportunities with Super Bowl event producers.
Thank you for your interest in Business Connect. The application process was open from October 27, 2020 through February 23, 2021. We are no longer accepting applications at this time.
ELIGIBILITY
To qualify for Super Bowl LVI Business Connect, each business must:
- Be 51% owned by a minority, woman, LGBTQ+ or veteran individual
- Have been in operation and have a physical office in Los Angeles County since February 2018
- Provide a product or service requested by Business Connect (see Business Disciplines)
- Be the direct source of the goods and services represented in their bid
- Be in good standing and eligible to do business with the City or County of Los Angeles, City of Inglewood, or State of California
CERTIFICATION
Businesses must have proof of certification from a national business organization, local government entity or one of the following pre-approved certifying agencies. Businesses that are currently in the process of obtaining their proof of business certification will be considered.
- California Department of Transportation (CalTrans)
- City of Los Angeles, Department of Public Works, Bureau of Contract Administration
- County of Los Angeles, Department of Consumer & Business Affairs (DCBA)
- Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro)
- Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA)
- National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC)
- Southern California Minority Supplier Development Council (SCMSDC)
- State of California, Department of General Services (DGS)
- U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
- U.S. Small Business Administration, Los Angeles District Office
- Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West, Inc. (WBEC-West)
CONTACT
For more information about Super Bowl LVI Business Connect, contact Chincie Mouton at 213-236-2398 and
BUSINESS DISCIPLINES
Audio Visual
Barricades
Carpet / Flooring
Catering / Food & Beverage
Decorations
Entertainment
Equipment Rental (Heavy)
Event Planning / Production
Fencing
Florists
Furniture / Event Rentals
General Contractors
Generators
Gifts & Promotions
Golf Carts
Graphics
Hardware Supplies
Linens
Office Supplies
Painters
Personal Protective Equipment
Portable Restrooms
Printing
Security
Staffing (Hospitality)
Temporary Housing
Tenting
Trailers
Transportation
Warehousing
Waste Removal
White Glove Service
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT:
L.A. EVENT LIGHTS
After the challenges of the pandemic, L.A. Event Lights is eager to get back to what they are known for, unique lighting tools and creative setups. As a part of the Business Connect program, they are optimistic to help set the stage for the Super Bowl’s long-awaited return to Los Angeles.
CURTOM-DUNSMUIR
With more than 30 years of experience, Curtom-Dunsmuir is a minority-owned construction management firm that specializes in commercial new construction and remodel projects, including recent projects at SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park. Curtom-Dunsmuir has found success in their construction management experience and diverse supplier commitment. As a part of the Business Connect program, they are excited to be linked with other successful businesses to make Los Angeles Shine.
THE GREAT COMPANY
The Great Company is a creative studio that subscribes to the philosophy of design by empathy. The Great Company works with clients to generate an impact through live activations, online social campaigns and telling all facets of a brand’s story. As a part of the Business Connect program, they look forward to building partnerships with other unique local companies.
YUCA’S RESTAURANTS
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are spotlighting Yuca’s Restaurants from the Super Bowl LVI Business Connect program. Yuca’s Restaurants have been bringing the true taste of Mexico to Los Angeles for 45 years. Known for their attentive service and fan-favorite menu items, this James Beard award winner is looking to secure catering opportunities for Super Bowl LVI.
CIRQUE BERZERK
Cirque Berzerk is a full-service live entertainment production company that specializes in original content creation and stage shows. They are a member of the Super Bowl LVI Business Connect program offering elaborate atmospheres and immersive entertainment. Cirque Berzerk puts on an unforgettable experience for their audience!
SERVEXO
In honor of Veterans Day, we would like to recognize Super Bowl LVI Business Connect member Servexo Protective Services. Servexo is a local Veteran-owned company specializing in security and facility support services. Their unique technology and attention to detail helps clients protect infrastructure and events.
BRITEWORKS INC.
For the past 25 years, BriteWorks Inc. has provided quality janitorial service that consistently ensures their clients have clean and healthy work environments. BriteWorks will provide around-the-clock cleaning services for Super Bowl LVI as part of the Business Connect program.
CRÈME CARAMEL
For the past 12 years, Crème Caramel LA has built a custard enterprise specializing in Filipino-inspired desserts. As part of the Business Connect program, Crème Caramel LA is excited to deliver their delicious specialty treats for Super Bowl LVI.
COLLECTIVE RENTALS
Collective Rentals is a premier specialty furniture rental company that focuses on producing unique environments. Equipped with a strong team of interior and event designers, Collective Rentals ensures that their clients have a seamless experience from concept to completion. As a part of the Super Bowl LVI Business Connect program, they are excited to add their style and flair to any event.
SUPPLIER TESTIMONIALS:
ART DELECTABLES
Since becoming an NFL Business Connect supplier, we have reaped wonderful benefits to advance our company’s brand. We were invited to submit a proposal for the NFL Tailgate party. The NFL Business Connect Team assisted us in completing an effective proposal by bringing in experienced speakers to answer all of our questions and calm our fears. WE MADE IT!!! We were moved to the second round of the proposal to the Taste Test. To our surprise, they selected our desserts for the VIP Team Section of the 2022 NFL Super Bowl Tailgate Party. That was quite an honor.
– Chef Deljah Dickson, Art Delectables
HOLLYWOOD HANDY CONSTRUCTION
The training that I’ve received through The Business Connect Program has been instrumental in building my web presence, social media communication and generating proposal material. I’ve connected with several reputable businesses who have been awarded large contracts and reached out to me about opportunities supporting Super Bowl LVI. I’m also in contact with LA County leaders who have offered their help in working on government contracts and for future events including the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. These relationships will continue to flourish beyond the upcoming Super Bowl.
– Alycia Belle, Hollywood Handy Construction
BUSINESS CONNECT MISSION STATEMENT
To promote equitable and inclusive procurement practices by creating contract opportunities between Business Connects’ experienced, event-ready suppliers and League vendors for NFL events. Business Connect is committed to supporting its member companies through professional development workshops, building strong community relationships and fostering economic growth in NFL event markets. It is the commitment of Business Connect to help shape the forward action required to Inspire Change.
FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How can local businesses get involved in the Super Bowl?
There are a number of ways local businesses can get involved in the Super Bowl procurement process, the first of which is Business Connect – the NFL’s supplier diversity program. The Business Connect program creates opportunities for local diverse business owners to compete for Super Bowl contracts. The program will identify a maximum of 250 local diverse businesses, suppliers, and service providers from our area to participate in the program. Accepted businesses will be profiled in the online Business Connect Resource Guide, allowing Super Bowl vendors to quickly identify qualified and experienced providers of goods and services. Participants in the Business Connect program are also eligible to participate in professional development workshops and networking events designed to increase the capacity of local businesses to succeed in their local markets post-Super Bowl.
2. Who qualifies for Business Connect?
- All Business Connect suppliers are required to be certified as minority, woman , LGBTQ+ or veteran-owned businesses
- The minority owner must hold 51% of the company
- The company must have been in business for at least three years
- The company must be the direct source for work they are competing for
- The company must have an established office within the Super Bowl host city
- The company must offer services that match those requested by the NFL vendor
3. What does it mean to be a member of the Business Connect Resource Guide?
Being a member of the Business Connect Resource Guide means your company was selected as one of the best local, diverse providers of goods and services in your specific business discipline. You and other Resource Guide vendors are eligible to compete for contracts related to Super Bowl events.
4. Am I a “preferred” supplier?
We do not use titles such as “exclusive supplier” or “preferred vendor” to describe companies listed in the Business Connect Resource Guide. Businesses included in the Business Connect Resource Guide (BCRG) are considered “approved” suppliers because they have met the eligibility criteria of the Business Connect program. As such, your business is a part of an exclusive listing of businesses utilized by event producers from the Los Angeles Super Bowl Host Committee and NFL contractors who are looking for experienced, qualified local suppliers with the capacity to help complete their Super Bowl contracts.
5. How will the Super Bowl Business Connect Resource Guide be used? Will my information be sold or shared with any other third parties?
The Super Bowl Business Connect Resource Guide is a database of local approved and certified businesses that can contract with the NFL, its affiliates and contractors, the Los Angeles Super Bowl Host Committee, or other interested parties for the Super Bowl. The information will be displayed on the NFL’s internal website, as a resource for Super Bowl vendors. The information will not be sold. At the end of the Business Connect program, the Business Connect Resource Guide will be uploaded to the NFL’s National Supplier Diversity Database which is utilized by NFL staff, teams, sponsors and others affiliated with the NFL. We will also gift the resource guide to the NFL team in your city, the mayor’s office, corporate procurement partners and any major sporting event contracted to work in your city after Super Bowl.
6. If I am accepted into the program, should I make any additions or changes to my profile?
Upon acceptance into the Business Connect Resource Guide, member businesses are emailed a Business Connect Supplier Profile to complete. You will be asked to create a profile that spotlights your company and showcases what product or service best represents your work. You should include information that will help buyers during their selection process, including:
- Primary business contact person and their cell phone number
- Website address
- Business Profile description (one paragraph)
- Reference work that aligns with Super Bowl– working with local sports team, convention center, etc.
- Business Capability Document
- Company Logo
- Pictures that showcase your body of work
7. If my information is incorrect in the Business Connect Resource Guide, is there a way I can correct it?
8. Are the NFL and its vendors required to use the Super Bowl Business Connect Resource Guide to identify suppliers?
The Business Connect Resource Guide is a resource for vendors and event producers associated with Super Bowl. The NFL, its affiliates, vendors and the Los Angeles Super Bowl Host Committee staff are asked to aggressively utilize the program. However, they are not limited nor mandated to exclusively use only companies listed in the Super Bowl Business Connect Resource Guide. The Business Connect program is a competitive program that creates opportunities for local diverse businesses and gives them a competitive edge in competing for Super Bowl contracts.
9. Can I use Super Bowl LVI and Los Angeles Super Bowl Host Committee logos?
The Super Bowl LVI, Business Connect and Los Angeles Super Bowl Host Committee logos are copyright protected brands. Business Connect Resource Guide members cannot use the NFL, Business Connect or Los Angeles Super Bowl Host Committee logos. This includes on websites, social media, LinkedIn, company newsletters, etc.
10. Can I publish a press release about being selected to the Business Connect Resource Guide?
Yes. If your company is listed in the Business Connect Resource Guide, you can list that information on your web page or company newsletters and share your designation as a Business Connect Resource Guide member in a press release.
Approved Language: Company XYZ has been accepted as an approved supplier of the NFL Business Connect Businesses program. XYZ will be listed in the NFL’s official Business Connect Resource Guide (BCRG) which is the official sourcing guide for NFL vendors and event producers seeking experienced and certified, local, diverse businesses with the capacity to compete for contract opportunities related to Super Bowl LVI.
If your business generates a press release related to your relationship with the Business Connect program, please forward a copy to your Business Connect contact at the Los Angeles Super Bowl Host Committee prior to releasing it so that our team can ensure that your verbiage is compliant with NFL and Los Angeles Super Bowl Host Committee guidelines.
11. I did not see the product or service I provide listed in the Business Connect application. What does that mean?
The products and services listed on the Super Bowl Business Connect website have been provided by the NFL based on prior experience and supplier requests. There is no guarantee that additional products or services would be needed beyond those listed in the application, nor are there any guarantees that goods and services will be purchased from the categories listed. Contact your Los Angeles Super Bowl Host Committee representative if you have questions related to your business being accepted into the Business Connect program.
12. How can I pitch my product/service to the NFL or Los Angeles Super Bowl Host Committee?
Business Connect suppliers will be invited to participate in ‘Pitch Days’ that offer member companies an opportunity to showcase their products, goods and services to the Business Connect team. Please note, Super Bowl vendors do not accept independent sales or marketing pitches from suppliers.
13. Is my business limited to only one product or service?
No. If your business provides more than one product or service, you should select the items that your business has the most experience providing. Businesses are listed by their primary category in the Business Connect Resource Guide. The Business Connect team reserves the right to re-classify businesses as deemed more appropriate for the goods and services provided/and or needed.
14. What is the timeline for procurement opportunities to begin? How much advance notice is given regarding RFPs and contract awards?
Typically Super Bowl contracting is a 14-month process – between December and the following February. Please note that due to health and safety guidelines related to COVID-19, some procurement timelines may change in 2021-2022.
Event producers and contractors use the Business Connect Resource Guide as one tool to identify suppliers. All purchasing processes and decisions, however, rest solely with the buyer. There is no centralized site for RFPs and no master calendar of when opportunities are available. NFL vendors will contact suppliers when they are ready to build their programs and events. Business Connect suppliers are encouraged to always be ready to take the call. Keep your company profile up to date to ensure that, if utilized, the prospective buyer has as much accurate information about your business as possible.
Developing a strong relationship with your Business Connect team is advantageous as the team serves as your advocate, promoting your talents and expertise to NFL vendors.
15. How can I improve my chances of being selected for a contract?
We encourage business owners to be responsive, honest and flexible when working with parties soliciting requests for the RFPs. Also, attending Business Connect workshops and networking events help our team to get to know you and your company’s capabilities. It allows us to make recommendations to vendors based on our knowledge of your business. However, please understand that there are no guarantees that participating in the Super Bowl LVI Business Connect program will ensure contracts will be awarded to individual businesses listed in the Business Connect Resource Guide.
16. How can I learn what supplier and contracting opportunities are available?
Businesses that are selected for the Business Connect Resource Guide will be contacted directly by buyers. Additionally, RFPs may be distributed to Business Connect businesses, and others in the marketplace, that provide products or services in the desired discipline(s). The procurement process is competitive, and contracts are awarded at the discretion of each buyer.
17. What are the three most important tips I should know about winning a Super Bowl contract?
Our vendors have shared the following tips with us:·
- Always list your cell phone number on your business card, email and website. NFL vendors work nights and weekends. If they call your business, please answer the phone and be ready to do business.
- Know your business capabilities and the cost of your services. NFL event planners know exactly how much goods and services cost in your city. Businesses that attempt to engage in “gouging” practices will be removed from the Business Connect program.
- UNDERPROMISE AND OVERDELIVER. Come ready to work hard. We have one shot to impress a worldwide audience.
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