Diversity & Inclusion Playbook

Super Bowl host cities have a responsibility — and an opportunity — to ensure economic benefits reach diverse communities. Nashville's commitment to equity means creating pathways for minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, and LGBTQ-owned businesses to participate meaningfully in game week commerce.

The NFL's own Business Connect program provides a framework, but local implementation requires proactive outreach, accessible certification processes, and intentional procurement policies.

Key Certifications

• MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) — National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), tennessee.eauth.com
• WBE (Women's Business Enterprise) — Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
• SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business) — U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• HUBZone — SBA HUBZone program for businesses in historically underutilized areas
• Nashville Local — Metro Nashville Small and Minority Business Assistance, 615-880-2020

• NFL Host Committee direct contracts (catering, transportation, event production)
• Hotel and venue subcontracting (housekeeping, maintenance, F&B supply)
• City of Nashville event services (parking, sanitation, traffic management)
• Corporate sponsor activations (staffing, merchandise, experiential marketing)
• Media production support (videography, photography, translation services)

Nashville offers several programs to help diverse businesses prepare for game week opportunities:

• Nashville Entrepreneur Center — Free business coaching, pitch preparation, financial planning
• Nashville Business Incubation Center — Office space, mentorship, certification assistance
• SCORE Nashville — Free business mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs

Get Certified & Connected