As local officials begin preparing to host Super Bowl LVI in 2022 at SoFi Stadium, the Los Angeles Super Bowl Host Committee (LASBHC) and the National Football League (NFL) announced this week that they will begin accepting applications from Los Angeles County minority, woman, LGBTQ+ and veteran-owned businesses to participate in the procurement process for one of the nation's biggest events on Oct. 27.

Organizers are hoping to attract a wide variety of qualified businesses over more than 30 different industries to compete for contracting opportunities with Super Bowl event producers, according to a press release from the LASBHC.

“The Super Bowl is one of the premier sports competitions anywhere in the world,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. “The NFL’s Business Connect program will turn this massive platform into a tremendous opportunity to lift up our local businesses and translate the excitement of this gridiron classic into growth and prosperity for Angelenos and our region.”

Those who wish to apply can do so beginning Oct. 27th at www.lasec.net/businessconnect.

“Our goal from the onset has been to maximize opportunities and benefits for our residents. SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park brought jobs and prosperity for thousands of Inglewood residents. They continue to deliver for the community of Inglewood,” said Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts. “The NFL’s Business Connect program will give our local long-term business owners an equitable opportunity to thrive during the Super Bowl and beyond.”

The LASBHC says workshops will also be held to help prepare vendors to participate in the bidding process as well as help with new strategies that can help them enhance and manage their business growth.

“The Business Connect program has been an integral part of the NFL’s efforts to empower local diverse businesses in Super Bowl markets for more than 20 years,” says Peter O’Reilly, Executive Vice President Club Business and League Events, NFL. “The program’s ability to amplify the talents and services of minority, women, LGBTQ+ and veteran-owned businesses, while creating contract and development opportunities that help grow local business communities, is critical and powerful. It is a core part our legacy to Super Bowl host cities.”

Vendors can register for the workshop being held for local businesses on Oct. 27th here.

Applications for Super Bowl LVI Business Connect will open on October 27, 2020 and close at 11:59 p.m. PST on February 1, 2021.

To qualify for Super Bowl LVI Business Connect, each business must:

Be 51% owned by a minority, woman, LGBTQ+ or veteran individual and be certified as one of the following:

Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE)
Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (DVOSB)
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Business Enterprise (LGBTBE)
Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
Small Minority Business Enterprise (SMBE)
Small Woman Business Enterprise (SWBE)
Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB)
Woman Business Enterprise (WBE)

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 you propose to sell
Be in good standing and eligible to do business with the City of Los Angeles, County of Los Angeles or State of California

Businesses must have proof of certification from one of the following approved certifying agencies:

SMBE/SWBE from the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans)
MBE/WBE from the City of Los Angeles, Department of Public Works, Bureau of Contract Administration
MBE/WBE from the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro)
LGBTBE from the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC)
MBE from the Southern California Minority Supplier Development Council (SCMSDC)
DVBE from the State of California, Department of General Services (DGS)
VOSB/SDVOSB from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
WBE from the Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West, Inc. (WBEC-West)

Further information can be found here.

Photo: Business Connect