ESPN Announces the Return of #ChampionBlackBusiness

ESPN, in collaboration with The Undefeated, the NBA, and ABC announced the return of the #ChampionBlackBusiness initiative for 2021.

(ESPN)

What’s Happening:

ESPN, in collaboration with The Undefeated, the NBA, and ABC announced the return of the #ChampionBlackBusinesses initiative, helping to elevate Black-owned businesses and their stories.
ESPN’s partnership with ABC’s Shark Tank also returns, where the Sharks will offer selected Black-owned businesses advice and help.
ESPN is working with marketing agency JOY Collective for the initiative.
You can visit The Undefeated for more information.

The Champion Black Businesses Initiative:

ESPN will spotlight the Black-owned businesses with unique films highlighting their impact on their communities.
Films created by ESPN will debut on ESPN’s digital and social media channels including The Undefeated.
Champion Black Businesses will create an Advisory Council including professionals from the worlds of finance, law, marketing, and management for future mentorship.
Sharks from Shark Tank will review the business portfolios in one-on-one mentor sessions and make recommendations to ensure success moving forward.

(ESPN)

Businesses Selected to Participate for 2021:

Lomar Farms (New York) – An environmentally conscience family Bee farm that harvests raw honey, produces candles and other body products and potions
Ride On! Bike Shop (Los Angeles) – A bicycle repair collective that proudly serves all cyclists, including new and veteran riders. Ride On Bike Shop believes that bikes offer a simple solution to many of our communities’ complex problems
Hakim’s Bookstore (Philadelphia) – A family-owned book and gift store founded by Dawud Hakim in the late 1950s to educate his community about the rich heritage, culture and contributions of African Americans. Hakim’s Bookstore is the oldest cultural bookstore on the East Coast
The Cookie Society (Dallas) – A boutique bakery selling freshly baked cookies in Frisco, Texas, and shipping nationwide

What They’re Saying:

Emeka Ofodile, Vice President of Sports Marketing, ESPN: “We are so proud to be able to bring this initiative back and continue to champion the Black community. The NBA Playoffs are not only a time to celebrate athletes fighting for a championship, but a great opportunity to share the stories of Black-owned businesses who are fighting to impact their communities every day.”
Raina Kelley, Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of The Undefeated: “This year’s involvement with the #ChampionBlackBusinesses initiative is an opportunity to push awareness to the next level. The collaborative effort between all of us plus fan engagement will make it a success.”