BUFFALO, N.Y. — Erie County legislature chairwoman April Baskin launched what’s being called the Taste of Diversity.  

It’s part of the Level Up pilot program to get small businesses that are often overlooked, a chance to compete for contracts at the new Buffalo Bills stadium that is under construction.

The ECC South campus cafeteria has been empty for four years. Five restaurants are now there providing hot food. While it is primarily for students and faculty, Buffalo Bills staff and stadium construction workers are welcome. 

The Level Up program is part of the community benefits agreement in the new lease deal. Level Up provides a pipeline to help disadvantaged business owners navigate the certification process.

“I have to tell you the Level Up program is a big concept and it pushes corporations to do new business and not just do new business, but find unconventional ways within their corporation To do business with minority and disenfranchised business owners,” said Baskin.

The Radah Baked Goods owner, Lee Thomas is part of the pilot program.  

“Our experience as being in this initiative has brought a lot of light to learning about the language, how to run your business, the capability statements, how to network properly, how to show up properly, how to meet the standard.”

Penny Semaia, vice-president of Bills Stadium Relations said he is “super excited because we also know it’s not just serving us selfishly, but it’s also serving a a population. A community is right here as well as helping our populations of our restaurant owners in the minority-owned businesses.”

The Buffalo Bills community benefits agreement for the new stadium requires 30% of concessionaires to be local minority or women-owned businesses.