Mission
To promote the utilization of Tampa Bay-based minority, women, veterans, and LGBTQ-owned businesses to Tampa Bay Sports Commission's clients.
About
The Supplier Inclusion Initiative (SII) is a program supported by the Tampa Bay Sports Commission (TBSC) that creates mutually beneficial business relationships with minority-owned, women-owned, disadvantaged/disabled veteran-owned, and LGBTQ+-owned businesses in an effort to strengthen the Tampa Bay community and drive economic impact.
The Tampa Bay Sports Commission is uniquely positioned to advocate for the utilization of diverse local businesses for their sports and events clients while bidding on and hosting events in Tampa Bay. To build upon the success and impact of the NFL’s Business Connect program and Tampa Bay Super Bowl LV Host Committee's legacy program, Forever 55, the TBSC created its own supplier diversity program that advocates and supports the advancement of local diverse-owned businesses in Tampa Bay.
Objectives
- Objective 1: To promote the utilization of diverse local businesses to Tampa Bay Sports Commission event clients.
- Objective 2: To provide a platform for diverse local suppliers to position themselves to be selected as a supplier by the Tampa Bay Sports Commission clients to fulfill various available contract opportunities.
- Objective 3: To create a robust list of diverse local businesses that are event-ready to fulfill contracts for Tampa Bay Sports Commission clients.
Eligibility Criteria
Businesses approved for inclusion must meet six critical criteria:
- Businesses must be certified as a minority, woman, veteran, or LGBTBE-owned enterprise
- Business must be in Hillsborough, Pinellas, or Pasco County
- Business must have been in business in Tampa Bay for at least three years
- Goods and services must match the approved supplier categories of requested services
- Businesses must be the direct source of the goods and services they propose to sell
- Businesses must be in good standing and eligible to do business with the State of Florida and Hillsborough, Pinellas, or Pasco County
The Supplier Inclusion Initiative will accept applications for inclusion in its Supplier Inclusion Initiative from May 1st through June 30th of each year.
Step 1: Interested diverse businesses must complete the "Supplier Inclusion Initiative" interest form application.
Step 2: Businesses are contacted directly by a member of the TBSC team to complete the interview process, which may include a phone or virtual interview, in-person pitch presentation, written questionnaire, or equivalent. Businesses may be asked to provide client references, photos of their products, or other samples of their work. Vetting will take place July 1 to July 31.
Step 3: Businesses invited for inclusion into the TBSC’s Roster of Champions must complete a Champion's Profile. TBSC uses the Champion's Profile to promote the business to its clients. Notifications will take place from August 1 to August 15.
Note: Businesses not accepted for inclusion are notified via email and can request feedback on their application and/or interview.
Questions? Please email info@tampabaysii.com.
Become a Supplier
Audio Visual | Florists | Printing |
Barricades | Event Rentals | Promotional Items |
Catering | Generators | Security |
Décor | Golf Carts | Staffing |
Entertainment | Janitorial | Tents |
Event Production | Linens | Transportation |
Fencing | Photo/Video | Waste Removal |
Flooring | Portable Restrooms |
Disclaimer
The Supplier Inclusion Initiative provides added value to its event partners. Youth and amateur events vs major events are governed by different parties and spending regulations. Thus, the Tampa Bay Sports Commission has more flexibility to advocate for the usage of the Supplier Inclusion Initiative on Major Events and EDI-led events versus youth and amateur events. |