Success with Corporate Sponsors

Success with Corporate Sponsors

Business and Sponsorship Success

Discover How to Fund Your Dreams – Even if You’re Just Starting Out

Black Business Month: How to Snag Sponsors Without Breaking a Sweat

Deanna Holland from Dick's Sporting Goods and Linda Hollander
Get Sponsors for Black Business Month

Table of Contents

Black Business Month is in August, so now is your chance to shine. With their inventiveness, zeal, and mission, Black-owned companies are achieving remarkable accomplishments across the United States. However, obtaining the appropriate funds still feels difficult after all of that effort.

Sponsorship is a powerful tool that can benefit you if you manage your own company, coach, produce content, or establish a community

Sponsorship isn’t limited to well-known brands or online stars. It is intended for regular leaders like you. Sponsors want to help those who are passionate about what they do and have a strong audience connection. You’re already halfway there, then.

Start with your story

Sponsors don’t just want numbers; they want connection. Before reaching out, take a minute to think about your story. What inspired your business? Who do you serve? Why does it matter to you? This is where your pitch starts.

It’s not necessary to have everything figured out. Just be real. Be you.

“People support what they understand, and when you share your story, people get it.” – Linda Hollander

Create something they’ll want to support

What Attracts Sponsors?

You don’t have to plan a massive conference. You can also incorporate small and significant activities. 

Here are a few event ideas that are sponsor-friendly:

  • Pop-up market with Black-owned brands
  • Relaxing wellness brunch for women of colour
  • Real-talk panel on money, leadership, or entrepreneurship
  • Virtual event on building a brand or business
  • Podcast or video series highlighting Black voices
  • Product giveaway featuring sponsor items

Let visuals do the talking

Photos and videos make a big difference. They help your audience feel connected, and they show sponsors what they’re supporting. Here are some ideas:

·       Group shots of smiling guests or creators

·       Close-ups of products from Black-owned businesses

·       Clips of you setting up, prepping, or thanking your team

·       Canva graphics with your branding and sponsor logos

·       A short video saying “thank you” to your sponsors

·       Promote with a purpose

Don’t be shy, use social media to build buzz. Whether you’re on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, or Facebook, show your process and your passion

 Post ideas:

·       A “day in the life” vlog leading up to your event

·       A behind-the-scenes reel with a trending sound

·       A “Get Ready with Me” video while you prep your venue

·       A carousel introducing yourself, your mission, and your ask

·       A “Sponsor A Seat” post showing how a sponsor helped someone attend for free

Hashtags to help people find you:

#BlackBusinessMonth #SupportBlackBusiness #SponsorBlackExcellence #BlackCreatorsMatter #PartnerWithPurpose #BuyBlack #BlackEntrepreneurs #FundBlackFutures




Reach out with confidence

Now send that pitch. Keep your email short and personal. Say who you are, what you’re doing, who your audience is, and why their brand fits. Attach your package and invite them to talk more.

Subject line idea: Let’s partner for Black Business Month – [Your Brand] x [Their Brand]

Please follow up in a few days if you have not received a response. People get busy; it’s not a no.

Look for brands that already support diversity

Many companies are actively investigating how to support Black entrepreneurs. Here are just a few:

·       SheaMoisture invests in Black women-led businesses

·       Chase for Business sponsors Black Entrepreneurs Day

·       PepsiCo Foundation – supports Black-owned restaurants

·       American Express – partnered with Black

·       Google for Startups – funds Black-led startups

You can also reach out to local banks, credit unions, and community organizations. They’re often eager to help.

Real stories, real results

Need proof it works? Here are some wins:

Black Pod Collective teamed up with Spotify and Afros & Audio

Boss Women Media hosted a summit backed by Amazon and Capital One

The Honey Pot Company grew with major retail support from Target

Fearless Fund partnered with big names to distribute grants to Black women founders

These stories all started with one idea, one pitch, and one “yes.”

You can start small. You don’t need to launch with a huge event. Start where you are:

·       Host a sponsored Instagram Live

·       Feature a brand in your newsletter

·       Run a co-branded giveaway

·       Invite a few people for a sponsored meetup.
All of these build your credibility. They show sponsors you’re serious and you’re growing.



So, this Black Business Month, don’t hold back. Share your journey. Make your ask. Someone out there is ready to support what you’re building.

Linda Hollander

Final Thoughts

During Black Business Month, this is your opportunity to gain visibility, recognition, and support. It doesn’t matter how big your business is; sponsorship can help in ways you never imagined. You don’t need a perfect pitch or many followers. Just share your story and your goal, and be confident.

You have something good to offer. Sponsors are searching for people like you who want to make a difference. So keep asking, keep showing up, and don’t give up. You’re not alone.

FAQ

FAQs

Does getting sponsors require having a large following?

No, Sponsors are more interested in your influence than your numbers. Having a small but dedicated and active community is especially valued by sponsors.

What if I’ve never had a sponsor before?

It’s okay. Everybody has to start somewhere. Sponsors will notice if you’re driven, clear about your goals, and professional.

If I don’t yet have an event scheduled, can I still get in touch with sponsors?

You certainly can! Sponsorship isn’t limited to events. You can present concepts for community gatherings, training, content, or even your entire brand platform. Knowing what you want is what matters.

Article Written By:
Linda Hollander
Linda Hollander has been featured by Inc. Magazine as the leading expert on corporate sponsorship. She is the CEO of Sponsor Concierge, and the author of Corporate Sponsorship in 3 Easy Steps. Her corporate sponsors have included Citibank, Fed Ex, Health Net, American Airlines, Bank of America, Staples, Wal-Mart, and IBM. She consults with businesses on how to increase their profits and get sponsors. https://SponsorConcierge.com
Linda Hollander
Article Written By:
Linda Hollander has been featured by Inc. Magazine as the leading expert on corporate sponsorship. She is the CEO of Sponsor Concierge, and the author of Corporate Sponsorship in 3 Easy Steps. Her corporate sponsors have included Citibank, Fed Ex, Health Net, American Airlines, Bank of America, Staples, Wal-Mart, and IBM. She consults with businesses on how to increase their profits and get sponsors. https://SponsorConcierge.com
Share The Love!
Sign Up for Sponsor Concierge Blogs
Discover the #1 Secret to Getting Sponsors

If you sign up below, you will be notified every time we post a new blog.

Related Articles
Scroll to Top
Discover your next corporate sponsor with Sponsor Concierge and Linda Hollander