July 29, 2021
The Washington Football Team and United Airlines Collaborate to Help Black-Owned Businesses in the DMV Area
The Washington Football Team has connected with United Airlines to announce that they are collaborating for a COVID-19 relief program.
The Washington Football Team and United Airlines launched a program to support economic recovery for Black-owned small businesses in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area through COVID relief grants.
United Airlines will supply and fund five grants that will total $25,000 for businesses that are participating in the Washington Football Team Black Engagement Network’s (B.E.N.) Shop Black Directory. The monies that will be given will be grants that will be put toward important business functions that help companies thrive and stay in business such as employee compensation, rent, and operating costs.
“It’s important for us to support the small businesses that bring immeasurable value and cultural vibrance to our DMV community,” said Doug Williams, Super Bowl XXII MVP and Senior Advisor to the Washington Football Team President, Jason Wright in a written statement. “We know that Black entrepreneurs face many barriers when it comes to running their businesses and recognize that the last year has been particularly tough on small, minority-owned businesses. Which is why we are excited to partner with United to provide additional resources and support for the members of our Shop Black Directory.”
Businesses that are already participating from the Shop Black Directory who are interested in applying can do so until August 5th by going to visit the website, www.washingtonfootball.com/UnitedGrant. Businesses that are applying must meet the following criteria: certified Black-owned diverse supplier, employ fewer than 15 employees, have been in business for over a year with annual revenues of less than $250,000, located in the DMV, and a member of ‘Shop Black’ since or before May 1st, 2021.
“United is proud to work alongside the Washington Football Team to deepen our shared commitment to the National Capital region and the local, Black-owned businesses that employ our neighbors, energize our economy, and enrich our culture,” said Janet Lamkin, the airline’s senior vice president of market and community innovation. “Diversity, equity and inclusion are core values at United – values we will continue to advance here in the DMV and across all of the communities we serve.”
For more information on B.E.N. and to view the Shop Black Directory, please visit www.washingtonfootball.com/shopblack. Washington Football Team news can be viewed via the team’s website, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For more information on United, please visit united.com.