Buy Black Program

76ers PR

Lokal Artisan Foods will become official 76ers team partner through 2023-24 season

PHILADELPHIA – MARCH 28, 2023 - The Philadelphia 76ers announced today the team has selected Lokal Artisan Foods as its third recipient of the annual 76ers Buy Black Program. The Buy Black Program once again received hundreds of applications from local Black-owned businesses, and selected Lokal Artisan Foods, which specializes in French toast food and beverage products.

“We’re proud to announce Charisse McGill of Lokal Artisan Foods as this year’s Buy Black Program winner,” said David Gould, 76ers Chief Diversity and Impact Officer. “Charisse’s business acumen and grit epitomizes Philadelphia. The Buy Black Program and our partnership with Lokal Artisan Foods represents our commitment to working with and growing diverse businesses across our city.”

Since opening in 2018, owner Charisse McGill has expanded her French Toast Bites stand to a local community staple in Philadelphia. In 2020, she became the first Black woman to own and operate a food establishment at both Cherry Street Pier and Spruce Street Harbor Park on Penn’s Landing. Today, Cherry Street Pier offers her delicious signature French Toast Bites, and other fan-favorite items including French Toast Bites Spice, French Toast Bites Gelato and French Toast Bites Coffee. Those items will also appear at Spruce Street Harbor Park come this summer starting in May. McGill is also the first Black woman in Pennsylvania with a signature craft beer, “French Toast Bites Ale.”

“To now have access to this massive platform and the resources of the Philadelphia 76ers to further grow our French Toast bites community is definitely a blessing,” said Charisse McGill, Lokal Artisan Foods owner. “It also supports my ability to continue to do work with youth in underserved communities by providing employment opportunities and paying a living wage.”

As an official partner of the Philadelphia 76ers, Lokal Artisan Foods will receive a custom marketing plan, free advertising across the team’s social and digital platforms, custom-created content, radio spots during 76ers game broadcasts on 97.5 The Fanatic, and other opportunities. Lokal Artisan Foods will also be featured in-arena on March 29 when the 76ers take on Dallas.

New this year to the Buy Black Program, the 76ers have teamed up with Eastside Golf, a Black-owned sports apparel company and Zenith Wealth Partners to provide mentorship and networking opportunities.

“We knew almost instantly that Charisse had the passion and hunger to succeed that we were looking for,” said Earl Cooper, Co-Founder, Eastside Golf. “Her business is booming, and we are excited to be a small part of her journey.”

“Charisse’s passion for Lokal Artisan Foods is undeniable and we are excited to help her effectively leverage the momentum that the partnership provides,” said Jason Ray, Founder and Investment Director of Zenith Wealth Partners. “We felt Lokal Artisan Foods was best positioned to leverage the exposure that partnering with the Sixers would provide, both through their e-commerce and in-person sales channels.”

In the third year of the Buy Black Program, Lokal Artisan Foods now joins Thunder Mug Cafe – a tea and coffee restaurant, Girl Contracting – a female operated contracting group, and SPERGO - an apparel company owned by 16-year-old entrepreneur Trey Brown who went on to receive $300,000 in funding on ABC’s Shark Tank.

Led by Managing Partners Josh Harris and David Blitzer, and in continuance of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment’s (HBSE) $20 million commitment to racial equity, the 76ers Buy Black Program was developed to promote local, Black-owned businesses and provide entrepreneurs with expert marketing consultation, advertising value, and additional tools to succeed.

Philadelphia is filled with a great diversity of innovative entrepreneurs and the 76ers are committed to including them throughout its business and brand. Through the day-to-day business operations, the 76ers continue to expand this program to empower local small businesses and their surrounding communities.

To download pictures and videos with Lokal Artisan Foods click HERE.

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The Philadelphia 76ers Select Lokal Artisan Foods for Buy Black Program

THE 76ERS ARE TEAMING UP WITH EASTSIDE GOLF AND ZENITH WEALTH PARTNERS TO HELP SELECT THIS YEAR’S WINNER AND PROVIDE ADDITIONAL BUSINESS SUPPORT.

The Philadelphia 76ers announced today that its Buy Black Program is now accepting applications through Feb. 21. Business owners interested in applying can visit Sixers.com/community/buy-black to learn more.

The Buy Black Program, which first began in the 2021-22 season has received more than 600 applications from local Black-owned businesses. Selected businesses have seen incredible success from participating in the program, including SPERGO, a business that later became a winner on ABC’s Shark Tank.

“We are proud to launch our Buy Black Program for the third year and join two incredibly talented black-owned businesses to help us promote and support this year’s winner,” said David Gould, 76ers Chief Diversity and Impact Officer. “Over the past few years, we’ve made a concerted effort to create programs that amplify diverse Philadelphia businesses and this year’s Buy Black program is a prime example of that continuing commitment.”

This year’s selected business will have the opportunity to partner with the 76ers for the remainder of the 2022-23 NBA season and into the 23-24 season. While the strategy for each business will be determined based on their specific needs, the 76ers understand the importance of building custom marketing plans for the selected business and helping develop it into a company that thrives in the Philadelphia community and beyond.

In addition to a custom marketing plan, the selected business will receive free advertising across the team’s social and digital platforms, custom created content, radio spots on 97.5 the Fanatic, and other opportunities. New this year, the 76ers have teamed up with Eastside Golf, a Black-owned sports apparel company and Zenith Wealth Partners, who will not only help select the winner, but also provide mentorship and networking opportunities.

"Partnering with the 76ers for the Buy Black Program is another example of how Eastside Golf continues to show there are no limits to what can be done when people come together with the same goal,” said Earl Cooper, Co-Founder, Eastside Golf. “We are a sports brand rooted in golf, but our missions align when it comes to building and supporting the Black community."&nbsp;

Led by Managing Partners Josh Harris and David Blitzer, and in continuance of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment’s $20 million commitment to racial equity, the 76ers Buy Black Program was developed to promote local, Black-owned businesses and provide entrepreneurs with expert marketing consultation, advertising value, and additional tools to succeed.

“Our firm wins when Black business wins. We are excited to partner with the Sixers on the Buy Black Program to mobilize and uplift Black-owned businesses in Philadelphia,” said Jason Ray, Founder and Investment Director, Zenith Wealth Partners. “This partnership provides us with a great opportunity to showcase our value to Black founders and entrepreneurs.”

Philadelphia is filled with a great diversity of innovative entrepreneurs and the 76ers are committed to including them throughout its business and brand. This focus extends to all assets of the company, whether it be its plans for a new arena in Center City, marketing platforms such as Buy Black or Spirit of Small Business, or through day-to-day business operations.

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The Philadelphia 76ers Buy Black Program Is Now Accepting Applications for Black Business Owners Through February 21

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PHILADELPHIA – JAN. 13, 2022 –&nbsp;The Philadelphia 76ers announced today that&nbsp;the team has selected&nbsp;Thunder Mug Cafe as its second recipient of&nbsp;the annual 76ers Buy Black Program. This year, the&nbsp;Buy&nbsp;Black&nbsp;Program again received several hundred applications from local Black-owned businesses.  After opening its doors in September 2019, owner Lizette Apy has grown the cafe behind the love and support of the East Falls community where it is located. Thunder Mug Cafe serves coffee, tea and pastries at its Ridge Avenue location to numerous dedicated patrons everyday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Thunder Mug offers many delicious menu items, while the vanilla oat milk latte, bacon quiche and gluten-free sweet potato muffins are among customer favorites.

Click below to listen Thunder Mug Cafe owner Lizette Apy speak about her journey to become a small business owner in a podcast with 76ers digital reporter Lauren Rosen.

In continuance of&nbsp;Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment’s action plan and $20 million commitment to racial equity, the 76ers Buy Black program was developed to promote local, Black-owned businesses and provide entrepreneurs with expert marketing consultation, advertising value, and additional tools to succeed. HBSE is committed to providing communities in need with the power to grow from within and recognizes that supporting small businesses is vital for the sustainability of these neighborhoods.

“With leadership from Josh Harris and David Blitzer, this program was designed to help promote local Black-owned businesses that are doing great work but wouldn’t otherwise have access to a platform like the 76ers,” said David Gould, Philadelphia 76ers Chief Diversity and Impact Officer. “We are so excited to bring Thunder Mug Cafe on as an official team partner for this season and look forward to working closely with them to grow their business over the course of the next year.”  Gould continued, “Thunder Mug has grown its business in their first two years of operation and is ready to continue doing so. We know it will greatly benefit from the assets we will provide and look forward to watching its continued success. The 76ers and Thunder Mug both put a premium on giving back to the communities they serve, and we are excited to collaborate with the Cafe to foster those shared values.”

In the first year of the Buy Black Program, the 76ers worked closely with local government nonprofits and the local African American Chamber to identify over 700 local Black-owned businesses that applied for the program, The team selected and onboarded two businesses in Girl Contracting – a female operated contracting group, and SPERGO - an apparel company owned by&nbsp;​16-year-old entrepreneur&nbsp;​Trey Brown&nbsp;who&nbsp;​recently&nbsp;received $300,000 in funding on ABC’s Shark Tank.  As an official partner of the Philadelphia 76ers, Thunder Mug Cafe will receive a customized marketing strategy&nbsp;​and activation&nbsp;led by the organization’s&nbsp;social responsibility team.&nbsp;This strategy will be executed utilizing the strength of 76ers platforms and resources and will be tailor-made to help grow and sustain Thunder Mug Cafe’s business.  During this process, Thunder Mug Cafe will benefit from the expert advice and marketing assets of the Clio award-winning brand and creative teams, Emmy award-winning content team and the 76ers digital, research and award-winning analytics teams. Other marketing assets include radio spots, email marketing and access to millions of fans across 76ers digital and social platforms.

“The Buy Black Program is distinctive because the program highlights and partners with Black-owned businesses,” said Lizette Apy, Thunder Mug Cafe owner. “The Buy Black Program serves as an illuminant of hope for existing and future black entrepreneurs, showing that there is support and mentorship available to strengthen and grow the Black business community. As a Black woman running her own independent business, this partnership means the world to me and the entire Thunder Mug team.”

Over the course of five years, the 76ers will contribute a combined $2.5 million, as the team continues&nbsp;to expand the program in order to empower diverse small businesses and their communities within their respective markets.

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76ers Select Thunder Mug Cafe for Buy Black Program

PHILADELPHIA – NOV. 30, 2021&nbsp;– The Philadelphia 76ers have announced that the second annual round of applications for the 76ers Buy Black Program will begin today and continue through Dec. 10 at midnight via&nbsp;Sixers.com/BuyBlack. In its first year, the 76ers Buy Black Program received over 700 applications in two weeks. In continuance of&nbsp;Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment’s action plan and $20 million commitment to racial equity, the 76ers Buy Black program was developed to promote local, Black-owned businesses and provide entrepreneurs with expert marketing consultation, advertising value, and additional tools to succeed. Selected businesses will become an official team partner for the 2021-2022 season and will be promoted and marketed across 76ers channels.

Trey Brown, the 15-year-old founder of SPERGO, a 2020 76ers Buy Black recipient and recent winner on&nbsp;ABC’s Shark Tank, rang the ceremonial bell on Monday, Nov. 29, to open the 76ers game vs. the Orlando Magic and initiate the opening of the 2021 Buy Black application process.

“Last year was an amazing start to the 76ers Buy Black program; not only were we able to partner with two outstanding local businesses in SPERGO and Girl Contracting, but the program also introduced us to multiple local businesses with whom we have since been able to support, partner and develop relationships,” said Philadelphia 76ers Chief Diversity and Impact Officer David Gould. “As we seek to use our business to promote more equity in our communities, we’re excited to discover and work with our next Buy Black partners to amplify their brand, tell their story to our fanbase, and support the success of their business.”

In Feb. 2020, the 76ers announced the selection of&nbsp;SPERGO, a Philadelphia-based designer apparel brand and&nbsp;Girl Contracting, Inc., a female-managed construction and real estate development company, as the inaugural recipients of its Buy Black program.

“Being the 76ers Buy Black Partner has helped SPERGO reach unimaginable heights, and appeal to a wider audience,” said SPERGO Founder Trey Brown. “This partnership has helped us take our first step into the sports world, and this is only the beginning!”

“The 76ers Buy Black program widened Girl Contracting’s access in a meaningful way,” said Lynette Sutton, Girl Contracting Managing Partner. “Often our community is ‘planned for, versus planned with.’ Since this program commenced, we are increasingly part of the design, build and planning meetings as opposed to just being hired for the build.&nbsp; We appreciate the Sixers’ shared commitment to long-lasting impact.”

Once onboarded as an official partner of the Philadelphia 76ers, the local businesses will be led by the 76ers Partnership Activation team in identifying their key performance indicators and building a customized marketing strategy to be executed utilizing 76ers platforms and resources designed to help grow and sustain their businesses. During this process, businesses will receive expert advice and marketing assets from the Clio award-winning brand and creative teams, Emmy award-winning content team and the 76ers digital, research and award-winning analytics teams.

While the strategy for each business will be determined based on their needs, the customized plans may include amplification across 76ers platforms, including social media marketing, custom content produced by Studio 76, professionally-designed email marketing,&nbsp;Sixers.com&nbsp;website presence, in-game exposure at 76ers home games, radio and broadcast advertisements and more.

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76ers Buy Black Program Opens Applications for Black Business Owners in Greater Philadelphia Region

The Philadelphia 76ers announced today that the team has selected two Black-owned businesses in the Philadelphia area for the&nbsp;76ers Buy Black Program.&nbsp;SPERGO&nbsp;is a Philadelphia-based designer apparel brand started by 15-year-old Trey Brown, while&nbsp;Girl Contracting, Inc. is a female-managed construction and real estate development company with 13 years of leadership experience in the industry.&nbsp;

View the following videos produced by Philadelphia Black-owned business&nbsp;14thandmarket&nbsp;to learn more about&nbsp;SPERGO&nbsp;and&nbsp;Girl Contracting, Inc., featuring special appearances by 76ers players Tobias Harris and Danny Green.&nbsp;

“With more than 700 applications, the response for the 76ers Buy Black Program exemplifies the opportunity we have to support and help grow some amazing Black-owned businesses in our area. Our new partners, SPERGO and Girl Contracting, Inc., stood out as established businesses that are ready to grow, and – just as importantly – share the 76ers values of using the power of our business to inspire, make a difference, and have a positive impact in our communities,” said Philadelphia 76ers Chief Diversity and Impact Officer David Gould. “We couldn’t be more excited about launching these new partnerships and are looking forward to announcing additional programs next week to support more of our Buy Black applicants.”&nbsp;

As official partners of the Philadelphia 76ers, SPERGO and Girl Contracting, Inc. will each undergo a company analysis and receive customized marketing strategies from the 76ers Clio award-winning brand and creative teams. The custom plan will be executed utilizing 76ers platforms and resources designed to help grow and sustain the businesses. SPERGO and Girl Contracting, Inc. will receive expert advice, marketing and advertising assets including TV-visible signage, radio spots, email marketing and access to millions of fans across 76ers digital and social platforms.&nbsp;

“Growing up as a kid in Philadelphia I would always watch the 76ers games, so to be a part of their Buy Black Program as a 15-year-old entrepreneur is a dream come true,” said SPERGO CEO Trey Brown. “I started SPERGO three years ago and I would never have imagined that I would be officially stamped a 76ers partner by my home basketball team.”&nbsp;

“The Buy Black Program provides a pathway to the corporate expertise, resources and support to which Black-owned businesses, such as Girl Contracting, would typically not have access,” said Girl Contracting, Inc. President Malhon Sutton. “Our official partnership with the Philadelphia 76ers means we can scale our business, but we don’t have to do it alone. The 76ers are a welcomed pillar of support for our Black and Brown communities, which are struggling during these challenging times.”&nbsp;

The Buy Black Program received more than 700 applications from local businesses. The 76ers and its partners will select additional Buy Black applicants for two upcoming programs. The first is in partnership with The Enterprise Center, a local community nonprofit focused on supporting minority businesses and entrepreneurs. The program will offer applying businesses referrals to a $500,000 grant program for Black and Brown-owned businesses, as well as support applying for and accessing Payroll Protection Program loans.&nbsp;

Businesses will also be selected to participate in Firstrust Bank’s Small Business Spotlight, a program in partnership with the African American Chamber of Commerce. Through Firstrust Bank’s Small Business Spotlight, six black owned businesses will receive $2,500 grants and each will be featured in a video on 76ers channels highlighting its business.

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76ers Select SPERGO and Girl Contracting, Inc. for Buy Black Program

Matt Murphy

PHILADELPHIA – JAN. 18, 2021 – The Philadelphia 76ers announced today, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, that the team will begin accepting applications for the 76ers Buy Black Program in continuance of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment’s action plan and $20 million commitment to racial equity. All interested applicants may apply at Sixers.com/BuyBlack. The 76ers Buy Black Program was developed to promote local, Black-owned businesses and provide them with expert marketing consultation, advertising value, educational programs and additional tools to succeed. Applying businesses will be eligible for other resources such as grant opportunities, assistance accessing Payroll Protection Program loans, networking events, and future 76ers business programs.

“Black businesses contribute so much to our economy and culture. Unfortunately, they are less prevalent, and they average less than a third of annual sales compared to white-owned businesses in our region,” said David Gould, 76ers Chief Diversity and Impact Officer. “It’s important that we acknowledge past policies, such as lending discrimination and segregation, that have kept Black business owners from accessing the investment and customer base that will help them grow and succeed. The Buy Black program is about celebrating all that Black Businesses have to offer our region and connecting them with the exposure and resources which they may not have had access to in the past. Leveraging the 76ers brand to help grow local, Black businesses is both a privilege and a responsibility.”

“We know first-hand how important strategic marketing is in building a successful business. Our team of award-winning brand marketing and digital content professionals are eager to help these businesses and provide the resources that are key to their success,” said Brittanie Boyd, 76ers Senior Vice President, Marketing. “I am so proud we are using the power of our platform to provide a solution to such a longstanding problem in our communities. Our goal is to make a real and lasting impact in building their brands and driving their businesses forward.”While the strategy for each business will be determined based on their needs, the customized plans may include amplification across 76ers platforms, including social media marketing, custom content produced by Studio 76, professionally-designed email marketing, Sixers.com website presence, in-game exposure at 76ers home games, radio and broadcast advertisements and more.

All applying businesses will be invited to participate in education and development programs. Opportunities include an invitation to a speaker series, presented in partnership with the local African American Chamber of Commerce, featuring top industry executives, where companies will gain business insights and business-to-business networking opportunities.

Applying businesses will also be eligible to participate in other 76ers small business programs, including a partnership with The Enterprise Center, a local community nonprofit focused on supporting minority businesses and entrepreneurs, which will offer applying businesses:

“We know that the number of Black businesses who can compete and grow as part of our economy have remained hidden in our market, and this affects where and how we spend. Partnerships like these, that cross sectors, are critical for addressing chronic systemic issues and can help open more opportunities for businesses, better align capital investments, and support our hardest hit communities,” said Della Clark, The Enterprise Center President and CEO. “We are thrilled to be partnering with the 76ers and other business and capital providers in our region to support the growth of minority businesses as important contributors to our local economy.”

Applications for the 76ers Buy Black Program will be accepted now through Tuesday, Feb. 2. To apply or for more information, interested businesses can visit Sixers.com/BuyBlack.

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'76ers Buy Black Program' Accepting Applications From Local Black-Owned Businesses Through Feb. 2

Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), a dynamic organization comprised of premier sports and entertainment properties, including the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and NHL’s New Jersey Devils, is unveiling a company-wide action plan to fight systemic racism, and in pursuit of that mission, is pledging $10 million over the next five years to drive action and invest in the cities where our teams live, work, play and perform.&nbsp;HBSE has committed a total of $20 million to fighting systemic racism and championing equality, including a $10 million contribution from the 76ers to the NBA’s newly-announced foundation to drive economic empowerment in Black communities.&nbsp;

“As leaders and stewards of community pillars, the eyes of the world are on us to do better, and they should be. While we will never be able to correct the past harm and injustice faced by Black Americans, it’s our duty to provide resources that enable tangible action and greater opportunities for equality. We are committing to a fundamental change in our business strategy by embedding our organization with Black communities and businesses through significant and sustained investment and support. We are deeply committed to fighting for a better, more inclusive future and we pledge to be leaders in doing so,” said Josh Harris, HBSE Founder.&nbsp;

HBSE Co-Founder David Blitzer echoed, “It is crucial for us to take action in fighting against systemic racism and social injustices, which have persisted for far too long. Moving forward,&nbsp;we are making a continued commitment to&nbsp;racial equality as a key&nbsp;focus of our business, advancing institutional and situational change&nbsp;where we live, work and play. We cannot and will not tolerate racism, injustice or hate, and take responsibility to be a part of the solution for the future of our industry, the cities we serve and our&nbsp;country as a whole.”&nbsp;

Investing in Black Communities:&nbsp;HBSE is committed to community development efforts that revitalize the neighborhoods where its teams and fans are located. Through partnerships with Black developers, local community groups and officials,&nbsp;HBSE Real Estate’s Community Advancement Program&nbsp;will advance equitable, community-driven revitalization through significant investments, including:&nbsp;

Supporting Black-Owned Businesses and Entrepreneurs:&nbsp;Consistent with its dedication to fostering the entrepreneurial spirit, HBSE will implement new initiatives to support Black-owned businesses with competitive opportunities and marketing resources.&nbsp;

Promoting Education, Health, and Employment: HBSE will commit $2.5 million through the&nbsp;Sixers Youth Foundation&nbsp;and&nbsp;Devils Care Foundation, continuing to work through their Corporate Responsibility programs to support positive education, health and employment outcomes in Black communities. This commitment builds upon efforts made by HBSE to promote racial equity in Newark, Camden and Philadelphia, including the&nbsp;following upcoming and recent efforts:&nbsp;

Amplifying a Workplace of Respect, Inclusion&nbsp;and Diversity:&nbsp;HBSE is dedicated to supporting Black and minority executives entering and ascending in the sports and entertainment industry and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace through recruitment, dynamic partnerships and programs that provide support and enrichment opportunities for all employees and athletes. To accomplish these goals, HBSE will:&nbsp;

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Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment Commits $20M to Fight Systemic Racism and Champion Equality

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