Carrita Tanner-Cloud never imagined that she would be running her own business full-time. Six years ago, she was juggling her job in corporate health care while also working part-time on her side gig, a small marketing company. Starting from humble beginnings, she set up shop in her home, utilizing a walk-in closet as her office space with just an old PC to work with. Despite the challenges, she persisted by cold calling and cold emailing to build her client base.
However, a turning point came when pregnancy complications led her to reevaluate her career in health care. This unexpected change allowed her to focus all her energy on her marketing company, Creativity Justified. Today, it has grown into a full-service marketing and advertising agency with a team of 17 dedicated staff members and contractors.
Recently, Tanner-Cloud and over 200 other business owners in the New Orleans area were accepted into the Super Bowl LIX Source procurement program. This initiative, formerly known as the Supplier Diversity Program, aims to provide opportunities for business owners of color, LGBTQ+, women, veterans, and disabled individuals to secure contracts and other opportunities related to the upcoming Super Bowl in New Orleans.
The program offers participants exposure and access to NFL contracts that they may not have had access to otherwise. Chincie Mouton, the director of community engagement for the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation and the New Orleans Super Bowl Committee, explained that businesses were selected based on their capacity to fulfill Super Bowl subcontracting needs and their ability to meet the buying requirements of NFL vendors.
Accepted businesses will provide a range of services such as printing, security, transportation, food and beverage, general contracting, event staffing, and professional services like graphic design, finance, legal, and management. The program also includes one-on-one meetings with Super Bowl Host Committee and NFL Source officials, networking events, and opportunities to bid on contracts as they become available.
For business owners like Joshua Culp, owner of Hammerdubs, the program has already opened doors for new opportunities. Culp, a veteran, hopes to create branded Super Bowl items for the big game and has submitted bids for contracts as a result of his involvement in the program. Similarly, Corey Rosales, owner of American Safety, is excited about the potential for growth and partnership opportunities with other local minority businesses.
As the Super Bowl approaches, Tanner-Cloud has already secured contracts for her business, including advertising the welcome ceremony for the Super Bowl LIX Source program. These opportunities have not only brought in revenue but have also opened doors for future collaborations and growth. Tanner-Cloud’s ultimate goal is to be recognized as the best agency, regardless of being woman-owned or Black-owned, and she sees the Super Bowl program as a stepping stone towards that achievement.
In conclusion, the Super Bowl LIX Source procurement program is providing a platform for diverse business owners to showcase their capabilities and secure valuable contracts. Through networking, learning, and bidding on opportunities, participants like Tanner-Cloud, Culp, and Rosales are positioning themselves for success and growth in their respective industries.
