NFL recruiting local businesses for Super Bowl 50 contracts

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Super Bowl 50 will be played in February of next year at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, but the deadline is coming up fast for local businesses that want to get in on the action.

The host committee is proposing that Super Bowl 50 will have a regional approach and be the most diverse ever when it comes to having small businesses share the economic impact.

Hundreds of people packed the Scottish Rite Center in Oakland to learn the playbook for Super Bowl 50. The NFL is recruiting minorities, women, gays and disabled veterans who own Bay Area businesses to bid on lucrative contracts.

"We're looking for all kinds of businesses but particularly those that supply events. So whether you're a caterer, whether you're a transportation company, whether you're an AV company to a florist, we want you to be a part of Super Bowl 50," Super Bowl 50 Host Committee's Jason Trimiew said.

Lenora Taylor is hoping her full service spa can offer something unique. She is trying to get a contract catering to the wives and moms of the football players.

"Usually they get here a week before and they need something to do, come and relax and get all pretty before the Super Bowl," Taylor said.

Tech Boogie Media's J.J. Harris has already scored a touchdown. He's landed a photography contract.

"As long as my work speaks for itself and continues to shine through, we'll keep this relationship alive," Harris said.

Harris shot photos on Thursday of those who hope to echo his success. These workshops, called Business Connect, have already been held in San Francisco and Santa Clara.

Now it's Oakland's turn.

"It's so great that Super Bowl 50 is reaching out to Oakland and to small businesses that are diverse, that represent our community, so that the Super Bowl doesn't just blow through town, but that small businesses can get in the game," Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf said.

The deadline to apply is April 30 and the winners will be notified in May.

Click here for more information about Business Connect.

Super Bowl 50 is set for February 7, 2016 with a week's worth of events in San Francisco, Santa Clara and wine country.