Three LA Businesses Headed to the Superbowl
2.07.2022
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LISC StoriesEconomic Development
LISC LA is deeply committed to supplier diversity and leadership in public/private procurement efforts. Additionally, one of the strategies that LISC LA pursues is to strengthen existing alliances while building new collaborations to increase its impact on the progress of people and places.
LISC LA leadership Tunua Thrash-Ntuk (Executive Director) and Miranda Rodriguez (Deputy Director) sit on the LA Sports and Entertainment Commission Super Bowl Business Connect Advisory Committee, which has helped connect 200+ certified diverse small businesses with contracting opportunities leading up to the Superbowl in 2022. Together we have accomplished incredible feats within the Super Bowl LVI Business Connect program in the past 12 months. For instance:
- We've had more than 500 NFL vendor interactions with diverse local suppliers, including 340 RFPs that were received
- Over 70 contracts have been executed – and more is anticipated
- At least 60 of 225 Business Connect suppliers have been awarded a contract
- 18 virtual or in-person supplier professional development and networking events have been held
- Several testimonials have been received from businesses who are finding success within the program
- Conversations have begun with MLB, College Football Playoff, and the U.S. Open to continue the program post-Super Bowl.
Additionally, webinars, Pitch Day events, and interviews have been conducted with suppliers to better understand their talents and capacity. These suppliers range from audiovisual technicians, caterers, heavy equipment rental to waste removal professionals.
The Super Bowl LVI Business Connect program aims to identify and support minority, women, LGBTQ+, and veteran-owned businesses through professional development, networking, and contract opportunities.
LISC LA has supported twenty-eight (28) businesses with grants and technical assistance and recommended them for contracting opportunities with the Superbowl. Eleven (11) of them have been awarded contracts so far. Companies such as Hollywood Handy Construction, Dulan's on Crenshaw, and Art Delectables were among those awarded.
Hollywood Handy Construction, Inc was founded in 2012 and is certified as a Women Business Enterprise (WBE). They are a Commercial and Institutional Building Construction Contractor specializing in commercial property construction, project management, and event support in Los Angeles County. "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," stated Alycia Belle of Hollywood Handy Construction. "I'm also in contact with the LA County leaders who have offered their help working on government contracts and for future events, including the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. These relationships will continue to flourish beyond the Super Bowl."
Dulan's on Crenshaw has been offering delicious traditional soul food in a cafeteria-style dining experience in Los Angeles since 1999. Dulan's on Crenshaw is owned by Adolf Dulan, the self-proclaimed "King of Soul Food" who continues to place a premium on great food, family, and the community. Today, you can experience the warm southern hospitality and made-from-scratch soul food built upon the Dulan family legacy.
Art Delectables is a full-service organic catering company specializing in High-End Luxury Cheesecakes for grocers, restaurants, and hotel markets. Art Delectables was an Ascend LA cohort member from the 2020 class and was one of LISC LA's vendors for the Ascend LA Summer 2021 graduation. "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!" stated one of Art Delectables spokespersons. "During the tasting, we were asked for a full menu of dessert items that we could possibly provide for the Tailgate Party. To our surprise, they selected six of our desserts for the VIP Team Section of the 2022 NFL Superbowl Tailgate Party. That was quite an honor."
The Super Bowl LVI Business Connect program has identified some uniquely qualified and professional suppliers who are event-ready and waiting to provide their products and services to those who may need them.
