by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
As part of the Super Bowl Host Committee’s ongoing advocacy for community involvement, the group revealed plans to develop a Small and Emerging Business Program, during a meeting Wednesday at the Ritz Theatre.
The program, which based on a similar NFL-developed campaign to facilitate Super Bowl-related opportunities for small business, is being sponsored locally by JEA and spearheaded by Host Committee director of community outreach Darryl Mulligan.
“This is a great way to let the small, minority and women-owned businesses know that we want them to be involved and that there are plenty of opportunities for them to show their goods,” said Mulligan. “Through the program, they will be able to take a small piece of ownership of the game itself.”
In the coming months, the Host Committee is expected to develop informational workshops where specific business opportunities related to the 2005 game will be revealed. Topics of discussion will include joint venturing, acquiring capital and conducting business professionally.
In addition, a Business Resource Guide, including all participating businesses — each business must be certified through by one of several certification agencies — will be produced and distributed to NFL contractors, affiliates, corporate sponsors and event planners.
“In a sense it will function as a phone book,” said Mulligan, “ and it will help keep the smaller businesses from being overlooked when the game comes to town.”
To be a part of the program, interested businesses can apply online at www.jacksonvillesuperbowl.com where a list of approved certifying agencies is also provided.
“Super Bowl XXXIX is expected to provide a significant boost to the regional economy through direct and indirect spending,” said Mulligan, adding it is better to get involved as early as possible. “The Host Committee wants to ensure small, minority and women-owned businesses in the area get an opportunity to realize some of this economic impact.”