The Sixers have been doing a lot of recent work with small businesses in the Philadelphia area, and here’s another one of those initiatives.

As part of the “Buy Black” program, the franchise asked for applications for potential partners, and chose two from a pool of a few hundred applicants.

Here’s the release, which explains it better than I can:

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

“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.” 

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. 

….

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. 

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 which will offer Black-owned businesses. Through Firstrust Bank’s Small Business Spotlight, six businesses will receive $2,500 grants and each will be featured in a video on 76ers channels highlighting its business.

The Sixers have a good track record with these hyperlocal endeavors. At the beginning of this season, they launched a new game day initiative that highlights one local business at a time, which grants exposure and a large platform. Over the summer, HBSE also did a slew of COVID-19 related programs, purchasing 10,000 Chromebooks for the Philadelphia School District  and making a six-figure donation to Philabundance, along with a similarly large donation to the RWJBarnabas Health Emergency Response Fund. $20 million was later committed to social justice efforts as part of an expansive, company-wide initiative.

Here’s a short profile video for each business that was selected: