3 hours ago - News

Market to elevate Black-owned vendors at NFL Draft

Chrissy Suttles

Display of colorful greeting cards featuring black female silhouettes, floral designs, and a butterfly artwork on a table with a burgundy cloth labeled Edie Smith Inspirations. — Espirations Greeting Cards from Edie Smith Studio. Photo: Courtesy of Cocoapreneur

A new initiative aims to ensure Black-owned businesses share in the economic windfall tied to one of the nation's largest sporting events.

Why it matters: The NFL Draft will bring tourism, national attention and spending to Pittsburgh in April. Khamil Bailey, founder of Pittsburgh-based Cocoapreneur and the Greenwood Plan, doesn't want small, minority-owned businesses left out.

Zoom in: The Cocoapreneur Market, a Black-owned business showcase hosted by Greenwood Plan, is set for April 23-25 at the Pitt Building in Downtown during NFL Draft weekend.

By the numbers: The cost to participate is $200 per day or $500 for all three days.

Flashback: Greenwood Plan purchased the building at 213 Smithfield St. in 2024 and converted it into an incubator for historically underserved Black-owned businesses and the Emerald City coworking space.

What they're saying: "This isn't about football," Bailey said. "It's about ensuring that when the city wins, everyone wins. Black-owned businesses are part of the cultural and economic fabric of Pittsburgh, and they deserve visibility and opportunity during moments like this."

What's next: Interested vendors can apply at greenwoodplan.com.

Add Axios on Google

Market to elevate Black-owned vendors at NFL Draft

More Pittsburgh stories