INDIANAPOLIS – More than 24 local area businesses earned their XBE certifications as part of the 24 In 24 All-Star Initiative, the NBA All-Star 2024 Host Committee announced today. The program seeks to create lasting economic impact beyond NBA All-Star 2024 weekend, providing support and mentorship to local entrepreneurs and helping them navigate the XBE certification process.
The XBE Committee of the Host Committee set out to help certify 24 diverse businesses prior to NBA All-Star 2024. The goal was surpassed with 29 businesses earning certification with weeks left until NBA All-Star 2024 tips off on February 15. Certification is an important way to expand business opportunities and ultimately scale and grow revenue.
Through the 24 In 24 All-Star Initiative, the Host Committee partnered with the City’s Office of Minority and Women Business Development (OMWBE), the IDOA Division of Supplier Diversity, and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) to expedite the review and approval process. Pacers Sports & Entertainment’s Supplier Diversity division provided 12 scholarships to assist women-owned businesses garnering the national WBENC certification. M/WBE Owner, Angela Franklin of Soar Consulting, worked with each company to coach, assess, and help them prepare for the application process.
“From the outset, our goal has been to leverage NBA All-Star 2024 to generate measurable impact for our local business community and have impact that will be felt long after this event has gone,” said Tracy Ellis-Ward, NBA Host Committee XBE staff lead and Senior Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at PS&E. “We are proud of these exceptional businesses and the important steps they have taken through this process, and we are thrilled to have been able to provide them the support necessary to continue to thrive.”
Additionally, three of the participating businesses will be chosen to receive a $10,000 grant from one of three local firms. These entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to enhance their brand awareness alongside experienced marketers and industry leaders with long track records of success in Indianapolis and beyond.
Congratulations to the businesses that completed the 24 In 24 initiative:
| 4EverSmiles Photobooth |
| A Breath of Life |
| Art Haus Balloon Company |
| Black Leaf Vegan |
| Black Worldschoolers Mobile Bookstore |
| Class Act Transportation, LLC |
| Dear Athletes Placement |
| Designs by Vonda LLC |
| Divinity Logistics & Transportation |
| Dynamic Aerial Services LLC |
| Edit Me Lo – Graphic Design Agency |
| Gip Got Tips BBQ |
| House of Class Bartender School & Services, LLC |
| House of Color Events Productions |
| Lift Off Creamery |
| LJT Business Associates, LLC |
| Louis Lien |
| Loving Life Productions LLC |
| Market Square Popcorn Company |
| My Sugar Pie |
| Picture Perfect Party Photos – Imaging Mirrors |
| Prolific Visuals |
| Punkin’s Pies Sweet Treats |
| Regina L. Warren, MBA | Finance & Community Empowerment |
| Sip & Share Wines |
| Taste of Innova Wings+Greens |
| The Food Architect |
| The Gallery Event Center |
| The Y Effect |
For more information on NBA All-Star 2024, please visit www.NBAAllStar2024.com. For information about the PS&E Supplier Diversity Program, visit www.gainbridgefieldhouse.com/connect/supplier-diversity-program.
