ESPN/THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

ESPN sports marketing was seeking a partner to help build and expand their Champion Black Businesses program, introduced at the height of the pandemic and racial reckoning of 2020. Champion Black Businesses was designed to use the power of ESPN and The Walt Disney Company's media platforms, in combination with the NBA finals’ stage, to spotlight small Black-owned businesses.

As the key strategic marketing partner, we reimagined the program to meet the needs of Black entrepreneurs in a post-pandemic world. We expanded the program to provide intellectual and financial capital and business development opportunities through an HBCU Executive MBA Resource program, connections to local NBA team reps, media and appearance opportunities, and a cash award. In 2023 we supported the program's expansion to event activation with integration at the Essence Festival of Culture. 

Champion Black Businesses has become an award-winning small business accelerator program helping bring economic equity to communities where sports fans live and thrive. Celebrating its 5th anniversary in 2024, Champion Black Businesses has now served 19 businesses in over 10 NBA cities with participating businesses reporting immediate lift in visibility, business opportunity, and sales. To date, the associated marketing campaign has netted 36+ Million TV impressions and 10+ Million social media impressions, and won 8 prestigious marketing industry awards.