Great news for Pittsburgh’s business community! The NFL Draft is coming to our city in 2026, bringing with it not just excitement for football fans, but substantial economic opportunities for local businesses. The NFL has announced a procurement program specifically designed to connect local and diverse businesses with subcontracting opportunities related to this major event.
What This Means for Pittsburgh Businesses
The 2026 NFL Draft will be a massive production requiring services across numerous industries. From catering and event production to transportation, accommodations and beyond, the NFL needs local partners to help make this world-class event a success.
This procurement program offers two significant benefits:
- Direct Business Opportunities: Selected businesses will be featured in a directory used by NFL primary contractors and event producers to fulfill their subcontracting needs.
- Professional Development: The program provides valuable networking and capacity-building resources for all accepted businesses.
Who Can Apply?
The NFL is particularly interested in:
- Local businesses within the greater Pittsburgh area, encompassing 10 counties (Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, Westmoreland)
- Certified diverse businesses including:
- Minority-owned businesses
- Woman-owned businesses
- Businesses owned by persons with disabilities
- LGBTQ+-owned businesses
- Veteran-owned businesses
Important note: Even if your business isn’t officially certified in a diversity category but qualifies for one, you’re still encouraged to apply and indicate your status.
Application Requirements
To apply for this program HERE, you’ll need:
- Basic Business Information
- Contact information
- Business website
- Tax ID number
- Pennsylvania Secretary of State entity file number
- Find this by searching for your business at: https://file.dos.pa.gov/search/business
- Ownership & Diversity Designations
- Indicate any applicable diversity designations
- Remember: formal certification is not required to apply
- Business Category Classification
- Select your primary and secondary business categories
- Choose the categories that represent your largest line of business
- If your category isn’t listed, you can select “OTHER”
- Marketing Material (Critical Component)
This is perhaps the most important part of your application. You must submit ONE piece of marketing collateral that effectively showcases your business capabilities. This could be:
- A Capability Statement: A one- or two-page document outlining your business’s core competencies, past clients, certifications and unique value proposition. This is ideal for service-based businesses.
- A Professional Menu: For food service businesses, a well-designed menu that highlights your offerings, specialties and capacity for large events.
- A Company Flyer/Brochure: A visually appealing, informative overview of your business, services and previous experience with business clients.
Your marketing material should be polished, professional and clearly communicate why your business would be an asset to the NFL Draft event. This single document will be the primary way contractors evaluate your business, so invest time in creating something impressive.
- Past Experience
- Provide a business client reference (name, business, email address)
- Include a brief description of your work with this client
- Choose a reference that showcases relevant experience for large events
Important Deadlines and Expectations
- Application Deadline: May 7, 2025
- Selection Process: Acceptance to the program is competitive
- Important Disclaimer: Being accepted into the program does not guarantee contracts or RFP invitations
The Real Value Proposition
While there are no guarantees of securing contracts, this program offers substantial value beyond potential NFL Draft work:
- Increased visibility with major event planners and contractors
- Networking opportunities with other local businesses
- Professional development and capacity building
- Potential for relationships that extend far beyond the Draft event
Next Steps
If you’re a greater Pittsburgh-area business owner interested in this opportunity, start preparing your application NOW (here), in advance of the May 7, 2025, deadline. Pay special attention to your marketing material submission, as this will be your primary chance to make an impression.
The NFL Draft represents a unique opportunity for our business community to showcase Pittsburgh’s talent, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit on a national stage. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting event!
For questions or assistance with the application process, please contact Allison Howard, our Business Advisor, at howard@ncd-fund.org.