The NFL Draft Wants to Work with Your Diverse KCMO Small Business

Would your Kansas City, Missouri, business be a great fit as a vendor for events tied to the NFL Draft?

Well, the NFL, in partnership with the Kansas City Sports Commission, recently launched its Business Connect program, which is looking to work with local and diverse KCMO businesses for the 2023 Draft.

“As Kansas City prepares for the biggest event in its history, we’re grateful to the NFL for championing our local businesses and showcasing a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusivity among its vendors,” says Kathy Nelson, president and CEO of the Kansas City Sports Commission and Visit KC. “We know our Draft experience will be uniquely Kansas City due, in part, to these outstanding organizations.”

The Business Connect program is looking to identify up to 100 local, diverse businesses with premiere, large event experience and the capacity to work alongside NFL vendors to produce Draft events. Interested suppliers can find details on specific event production business lines required by the Business Connect program on the Greater Kansas City Sports Commissions website here. Event-ready suppliers can apply to Business Connect through Oct. 7, 2022.

To qualify for 2023 NFL Draft Business Connect, your business must:

• be 51% owned by a minority, woman, veteran or LGBTQ+ individual and be certified

• have a physical office and been in operation in Kansas City, Missouri, since April 2019

• provide a product or service requested by Business Connect

• be the direct source of the goods and services you propose to sell

• be in good standing and eligible to do business in Kansas City and the state of Missouri

“The Business Connect program is an integral part of the NFL’s efforts to empower local diverse businesses in Draft markets,” says B.J. Waymer, NFL Business Connect Lead. “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 of our legacy to Draft host cities.”

Explore more information about the 2023 NFL Draft here.

Looking for other opportunities for your business. Explore KCSourceLink’s constantly updated Awards and Competitions page.

Thumbnail photo by Dave Adamson on Unsplash.