Arizona Business Connect

Business Connect is a supplier diversity initiative designed to promote equitable and inclusive procurement practices at major events coming to Arizona.

This program will connect experience, event-ready businesses in Arizona with opportunities to compete for contracts related to these major events.

This program is committed to supporting minority, women, LGBTQ+, and veteran-owned businesses through professional development workshops, networking, and contract opportunities. Certified businesses selected for the program will be profiled in the Business Connect Resource Guide, which event vendors and producers utilize to identify and select local suppliers to fulfill their sub-contracting needs.

ELIGIBILITY

All Business Connect suppliers are required to be certified as minority, women, disabled, veteran or LGBT-owned businesses
The minority owner must hold 51% of the company
The company must have been in operation and have a physical office in Arizona since February 2020

Businesses must be the direct source for work they are competing for.
The company must offer services that match those requested by the vendor
Be in good financial standing and eligible to do business in the state of Arizona

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Businesses that have been accepted into the program will be profiled in the Business Connect Resource Guide, allowing vendors to quickly identify qualified and experienced providers of goods and services.

Participants in the Business Connect program are also eligible to participate in professional development workshops and networking events designed to increase the capacity of businesses to succeed in post-major events.

We encourage business owners to be responsive, honest and flexible when working with parties soliciting requests for the RFPs. Contact your Business Connect team to let them know that you have received an RFP so that we can follow up with the vendor. If you don’t think the RFP matches your skillsets, let your Business Connect team know so that we can help identify other opportunities for your company.

Attending Business Connect workshops and networking events help our team to get to know you and your company’s capabilities. It allows us to make recommendations to vendors based on our knowledge of your business. However, please understand that there are no guarantees that contracts will be awarded to individual businesses listed in the Business Connect Resource Guide.

Businesses that are selected for the Business Connect Resource Guide will be contacted directly by contractors and/or vendors. Additionally, RFPs may be distributed to Business Connect businesses, and others in the marketplace that provide products or services in the desired category(ies). The procurement process is at the discretion of each contractor/vendor. The following websites post contract opportunities frequently.

Always list your website and cell phone number on your business cards and in every email you send. Vendors work nights and weekends. If they call your business, you need to answer the phone and be ready to do business. Return all calls within 24 hours.

Know your business capabilities and the cost of your services. Major event vendors know exactly how much goods and services cost in your city. Businesses that attempt to engage in ‘gouging’ practices will be removed from the Business Connect program.

UNDERPROMISE AND OVERDELIVER. Come ready to work hard. We have one shot to impress a worldwide audience.

Do not hesitate to ask questions about RFPs you receive or the Scope of Work you are being offered. Vendors are anxious to work with Business Connect suppliers. If you have an idea to improve the service you’re asked to provide, share that information with the vendor.