The Bears are now accepting applications for the 2024 Small Business All-Pros presented by PNC, a collaborative effort to show support for Chicago’s vibrant local food and restaurant community. Owners of local restaurants, catering companies and other foodservice businesses are encouraged to apply. The program offers a unique opportunity for small business owners to increase awareness of their respective brands through a unique Bears marketing campaign.
Three winners will be selected and provided with two weeks of exclusive promotional advertising for their business across the team’s digital and social media channels, including a dedicated page on ChicagoBears.com, as well as onsite during home games at Soldier Field.
“At the heart of Chicago are the small businesses that shape the culture and identity of our city. The Chicago Bears are proud to support their efforts through our Small Business All-Pro program to help local entrepreneurs succeed and make their mark on a bigger stage,” said Meka White Morris, Bears executive vice president of revenue and chief operating officer. “We’re excited to continue our tradition of championing these businesses and sharing their incredible stories with our fans.”
The 2024 Small Business All-Pros winners will be selected by a committee appointed by the Bears. The committee will evaluate the businesses based on key criteria, including a unique product or service, a compelling growth story, the value they have provided to the community and future plans to positively impact the community. The application portal will be open until Wednesday, October 16th at 11:59pm CST. Winners will be announced in November.
Since 2015, PNC Bank and the Bears have worked together to support various community efforts across Illinois, and this year marks the first year that PNC has teamed up with the Bears to support the Small Business All-Pros program.
“All of us at PNC recognize the important role small businesses play in driving economic growth, job creation and innovation throughout Chicagoland’s incredible and diverse region,” said Scott Swanson, PNC’s Illinois regional president. “As the official bank of the Bears and a catalyst for the growth of local commerce, we look forward to helping raise the profile of the restaurants and small businesses dedicated to creating the flavor of Chicago.”
Now in its fifth year, the Chicago Bears Small Business All-Pro initiative has provided significant exposure to 22 local businesses, helping them expand their impact beyond the local community. Past winners include Ketapanen Kitchen, Egg Rolls Etc., Garifuna Flava and Triple Crown.
For more information and application instructions, visit ChicagoBears.com/SmallBusinessAllPros .
