One of the region's minority-owned businesses could soon be a sponsor of the Cincinnati Bengals for free.
On Tuesday, Paycor HCM, whose name adorns the team's downtown stadium, announced a new innovation challenge, dubbed Earn Your Stripes. The challenge will culminate in a pitch-style contest at Paycor Stadium on June 14, with the winning business receiving a one-year sponsorship package with the Bengals, including marketing assets, signage and tickets.
Applications are due by May 17. Officials will announce the six finalists who will pitch their businesses May 29.
Minority-owned firms based in the Tri-State with $5 million or less in annual revenue are eligible to apply. The goal is to give such businesses access to as large a platform as the Bengals have to amplify their brand.
“Innovation has run through our team’s veins since our inception, led by innovator, coach, and founder Paul Brown,” Elizabeth Blackburn, Bengals director of strategy and engagement, said in a statement. “The Bengals thrive on hard work, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the pursuit of one’s true passion – values that resonate with rising small businesses in the area."
Tuesday's announcement is the latest step in Paycor's 16-year naming rights deal with the Bengals, which it signed before the start of the 2022 season. At the time of the deal's close, Paycor CEO Raul Villar Jr. told the Courier partnering with the Bengals and gaining access to the NFL's national audience would help put Paycor on the map. It's a sentiment he echoed when discussing the launch of the Earn Your Stripes challenge.
“We are excited to introduce this life-changing contest for small businesses,” Villar said in a statement. “Through our ongoing partnership with the Cincinnati Bengals, we have a great opportunity to highlight some extraordinary winning businesses.”
