Milwaukee small businesses among those chosen as approved NFL Draft vendors

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) --- The NFL draft is headed to Wisconsin and through all the preparations, the league is making sure hometown small businesses don't get left behind.

The NFL Draft Source Program is paving the way for local business owners to get exposure as the high-profile event is planned to be held in Green Bay this year.

"I've been a lifelong sports fan. I've played football. I've watched football starting at age 8 with my dad so when the opportunity came up, I jumped at it," said Alan Goodman, Founder of Goodman's Desserts.

Goodman says he's excited for the opportunity and has already received his first order. "I'm really impressed with the NFL stance. They're making a choice to say we want to support small businesses and really pouring in and giving opportunities for it, which is what we need. Our products are just as good as the big companies, and we have a chance to prove that," Goodman said.

Goodman is part of a group of Milwaukee Business Owners accepted into the program which paved the way for businesses across Wisconsin to apply to be provided in an online directory used by NFL partners for subcontracting needs.

Style Pop Cafe, a local coffee brand and soon-to-be storefront in Walker's Point, is another hometown business chosen. "It makes me feel like I'm going in the right direction. I'm being seen and people find my products and services valuable," said Owner, Rosha Brister.

Brister says opportunities like this give her reassurance that she has the support she needs. "It's one of those once in a lifetime opportunities, especially for small businesses trying to grow and expand their brand so I was super grateful," she said.

Several other local businesses were also chosen, making announcements on social media about the exciting opportunity. The 2025 NFL Draft kicks off starting April 24th.