Completing this application is the sole step in gaining admission to this nationally recognized program. The application period closes at midnight EST on August 4, 2025. Companies will be notified of their acceptance within a few days of their application being submitted. This will allow selected applicants to prepare for travel to the NBL National Conference. Selected companies will receive a complimentary full registration for the entire week of conference activities. They will also have access to the discounted conference room rate, which will have been closed by the time of their acceptance. The Collective (the total group of those selected for the program) of this fifth cohort of the NBL National Buyer Supplier Program will be announced on August 8, 2025. Orientation for this new Collective will take place on Friday, August 22, 2025, through Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the 125th National Black Business Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.
BE PREPARED
It requires time {approximately 1 hour} and commitment to complete
The National Business League and its corporate partners are here to help you grow and connect with the right resources and learning opportunities for your business. The program centers on your company developing a detailed plan to accelerate its growth and most importantly, improve its supplier readiness. The time and effort to complete this survey is for your development more than your evaluation. This application provides the NBL and its corporate partners with data that allows it to assess your company’s maturity, supplier readiness, capacity to scale, and its current capabilities.
C-SUITE FOCUSED
The program requires the direct and consistent participation of the company’s founder or CEO. If someone other than the founder or CEO completes this application, they should do so from the perspective of the Founder and CEO. The person completing this application should prepare the same way you might prepare to meet with your banker or conduct an investor pitch.
Specifically the information that should be prepared before starting this application are as follows:
Descriptive Information on Company
Name of Company
Contact Information
Years in Business
Number of Employees
Number of Locations
Industry
Primary & Secondary NAIC codes
Array of Certifications
Awards, Press, Referrals (can upload)
Descriptive Information on Founder/CEO
Name
Contact Information
Detailed Resume (can upload)
Name of Administrative Assistant
Contact Information of Administrative Assistant
Descriptive information on Products/Services
Product/Service Description
Customer Products Solved
Competitive Advantages
Value Proposition Statement
Description of Target Markets
Product/Service Quality Certifications
Key Elements of a Growth Plan
Mission Statement
Core Values
Revenues, Profit Margins, and Growth Rates from 2021