The Carolina Panthers are partnering with small businesses in their community through a new program called the Small Business Partner Program. The North Carolina-based NFL team announced this initiative in a press release on Monday. The program is being launched in collaboration with Eleven Sports Media, a UK-based sports partnership-focused company.
Image: Stressed female restaurant manager worried about her business due to the COVID-19 pandemic (iStock / iStock)
Eleven Sports Media’s partnership model allows organizations to align themselves with local sports teams through various branding, experiential, and activation services. Their focus is on small and medium-sized businesses.
Eleven Sports Media has already established a presence in the Premier League, English Football League, and Cinch Premiership in the UK with its partnership model. In November 2021, the company partnered with the New York City Football Club, marking its first partnership with a team in Major League Soccer.
Panthers Chief Revenue Officer Jake Burns expressed excitement about being the first NFL team to bring this initiative to the league. He praised Eleven Sports Media’s products and their success in the MLS, emphasizing the Panthers’ commitment to innovation and being the first to market with new initiatives.
Image: A view of the NFL logo during OTA offseason workouts on May 26, 2022, at the Chiefs Training Facility in Kansas City, MO. (Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images / Getty Images)
As part of their collaboration, the Carolina Panthers and Eleven Sports Media will introduce the company’s fan engagement technology at Bank of America Stadium, the team’s home venue located in Charlotte. This technology will enhance the overall experience for fans attending games.
Matt Cairns, the founder of Eleven Sports Media, commended the Panthers for their passion and commitment to their local business community, which aligns with their own values. Cairns noted the vibrant and thriving small business community in Charlotte and expressed the belief that they will benefit from the power of sport and grow alongside the Carolina Panthers.
According to a recent press release from the governor’s office, there are over 994,000 small businesses in North Carolina, employing approximately 1.7 million people. In neighboring South Carolina, there are over 463,000 small businesses, providing jobs to around 837,600 individuals, according to the US Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy.
Image: Coworkers (iStock / iStock)
The US Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy highlights that there are about 33.2 million small businesses in the US employing fewer than 500 workers. These businesses’ workers make up nearly half (46%) of the private-sector workforce.
Despite a 7-win, 10-loss record in the 2022 regular season, the Carolina Panthers are forging ahead with their commitment to supporting local small businesses in the Carolinas.
