INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The 39th annual Circle City Classic is a unique showcase of historically Black college and university football, academic excellence, and culture. Leaders planned the event so Hoosiers could take care of business and enjoy the game.

On Friday, all aspiring professionals, including students and graduates, can network directly with employers at Talent Day and Career Fair. Companies including Ascension St. Vincent, the Indianapolis Airport Authority, Gatorade and multiple financial institutions will be interviewing and hiring professionals for their organizations.

Emil Ekiyor, founder and chief executive officer of Innopower Indy, said, “If you are looking for a new career, if you’re looking to move to Indianapolis, this is the perfect time to come and meet one of our anchor companies.”

Ekiyor and the Indiana Black Expo are trying to help create a more resilient economy by supporting Black businesses at the Circle City Classic.

The Pew Research Center suggests only 3% of all businesses in the United States are Black-owned. Ekiyor is working to bridge the gap with the Business and Entrepreneur Day on Saturday.

“We’ll have over 300 entrepreneurs and business owners at Lucas Oil Stadium. Anytime you have business owners and entrepreneurs around, it’s just a festive environment, an energetic environment. That will happen between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday. Again, take care of business and then come and watch the game,” Ekiyor said.