Business Connect brings together Super Bowl Host Committee, contractors

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - Would you like to be a part of Super Bowl history? The Houston Super Bowl Host Committee is seeking partnerships with local businesses for certain contracts.

The NFL conducted a second information session on April 7, titled “Enter The Draft” Workshop & Resource Expo, focusing on its Business Connect program.

Houston is a champion when it comes to playing host, but for the biggest event of them all -- Super Bowl LI -- it'll take a village and that means searching for the best and brightest businesses to help out.

Business Connect is an NFL program designed to bring in minority, female and LGBT-owned businesses for Super Bowl contracts.

“We provide a number of events, today is one example of that, between now and the game that are networking opportunities, bringing in speakers where they can learn, How do you make your business stronger? How do you present yourself?,” explained Peter O'Reilly, the NFL senior vice president of events.

Any business owner in the Houston area can apply for a Super Bowl contract and there's a need for everything from food to security to signage. However, businesses need to have been established for at least three years and be at the top of their respective game.

“You have to be professional, you have to have experience, and you have to be able to present yourself well, and that really is the key to the vendors who are successful through this program," said B.J. Waymer, one of the leaders of the NFL Business Connect program. "When we say we have something that we need them to do, they no-holds-barred are right there.” 

Attendees, both those who have successfully obtained a contract in the past and newcomers, said this chance could be incredible for their businesses.

“The Houston Connect folks are coming in and helping the diverse supplier like myself that might never have an opportunity to work with the Super Bowl,” said Gary Wood, chief executive officer of United Global Solutions.

For one vendor who has been successful in attaining a Super Bowl contract in the past, he said it is incredibly competitive, but that getting the contract can mean the world for a business owner.

“The key is to work it afterwards, said Niles Dillard, the president of Superior Video Productions." It’s great when you go into other places to do business. When you have the Super Bowl behind you, it's a win-win.” 

If you are interested in Business Connect, the deadline to apply is April 30. For more information, visit http://housuperbowl.com/business-connect.