Bucks highlight female-owned businesses at the start of Women's History Month

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Bucks are commemorating women and women in sports by hosting organizations and eight female business owners ahead of the game Wednesday night.

For mom and daughter duo Hannah and Tami Kopplin, owners of Tots on the Street, every day is about female empowerment.

"You know supporting women owned businesses is really, you know, our passion," said Tami Kopplin.

They will be sharing the floor Wednesday night with other female entrepreneurs.

"We have a small business marketplace that’s going to feature some amazing small businesses that are owned and operated by women," said Bucks marketing director Mallory Steinberg.

Steinberg said putting the spotlight on women and female entrepreneurs was a no-brainer because of their inclusion initiative.

"It's important to the Bucks to celebrate all of our fans and of course that includes women. We’re also committed to being the most inclusive organization in all of sports entertainment, so this is one essential part of it," said Steinberg.

For business owners like Chloe Longmire, head of social justice apparel company Chase My Creations, it's about giving women the opportunity to reach platforms that aren't always accessible.

"I think it's important to have more spaces like this for people to shine and for people to really get their names out there," said Longmire.

Before the game, BMO will host a pregame panel discussion with women trailblazers across industries. The Bucks will host those eight female business owners on the upper concourse outside of sections 201 and 203. Tots on the Street will take over the concession stand at section 206.