The Sixers announced this week that the Buy Black Program will accept applications through February 21.
“We are proud to launch our Buy Black Program for the third year and join two incredibly talented black-owned businesses to help us promote and support this year’s winner,” Sixers Chief Diversity and Impact Officer David Gould said of the initiative to support black business leaders in a team press release.
“Over the past few years, we’ve made a concerted effort to create programs that amplify diverse Philadelphia businesses and this year’s Buy Black Program is a prime example of that continuing commitment.”
Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment’s action plan and $20 million commitment to racial equity developed the program. It will feature Eastside Golf and Zenith Wealth Partners this year. The program will provide the selected business with mentorship and networking opportunities. The two black-owned businesses, along with the Sixers, will help select the business. That business will have the opportunity to partner with the Sixers for the remainder of the 2022-23 NBA season and into the 2023-24 season.
The effort will help build custom marketing plans for the selected business. The goal is to help develop the operation into a company that can grow beyond the greater Philadelphia community. Furthermore, there are various benefits beyond the custom marketing plans. The Sixers will provide free advertising through their social and digital platforms. Additionally, the business will receive custom created content. Finally, the business will also have radio spots on 97.5 the Fanatic.
The Buy Black Program was developed to promote local, black-owned businesses. It strives to offer entrepreneurs expert marketing consultation, advertising value, and other tools for success.
The program has seen promising results. Chiefly, SPERGO parlayed the initiative into a winning presentation on ABC’s Shark Tank.
Interested black business leaders can apply for the opportunity here.
