Phoenix Suns' Chris Paul teams with Gopuff to assist underrepresented businesses and entrepreneurs

Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul has sought ways to assist underrepresented businesses and entrepreneurs.

In his partnership with Gopuff, the delivery service where he is an investor, Paul helped spearhead a plan to highlight some of those companies.

“Put Me On” is a small-business accelerator platform that pairs business leaders and experts with underrepresented companies to help them grow on Gopuff and elsewhere, getting their product to more people.

“This all about inclusion and trying figure out ways to help and ways to be supportive,” Paul told USA TODAY Sports. “The ability to be able to showcase and shine a light on these entrepreneurs who sometimes may not have the opportunity to do such, there’s nothing like it.”

Paul and Gopuff selected eight companies for the initial round:

► A Dozen Cousins: ready-to-eat rice and beans inspired by traditional Creole, Caribbean and Latin American recipes.

► Cards for All People: a toys and games company connecting diverse audiences through cultural experiences.

► Cool Cat Wine Spritzers: a refreshing line of low-calorie wine spritzers.

► Donata Skin Food: all-natural vegan personal care products.

► French Toast Bites Ale: beer that captures flavors of the popular Philadelphia street food.

► Me & The Bees Lemonade: comes in five flavors and is all-natural.

► Mumgry: ethically sourced nutritious nut butters.

► Pipcorn: healthy snacks made from non-GMO certified heirloom super corn.

Paul said these are “hard-working entrepreneurs who just need the chance to be put on. I’m excited to see how different brands and lives can be changed from the partnership.”

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The companies will have access to monthly workshops, networking events and sessions with advertising, marketing, merchandising and supply chain teams.

“As first-time entrepreneurs, (co-founder and co-CEO) Rafael (Ilishayev) and I know first-hand how impactful mentorship and community is in developing and growing a successful business,” Gopuff co-founder and co-CEO Yakir Gola said in a news release. “Chris Paul has dedicated his time off and on the court to support entrepreneurs and we are excited to work with him to help aspiring entrepreneurs grow their businesses and reach new customers.”

Interested entrepreneurs can apply to be part of the next “Put Me On” group until Oct. 24.

Paul has first-hand knowledge of some of those initial companies. He and his family play Cards for All People games and snack on Pipcorn products. On the road, he uses Gopuff, which provides fast same-day delivery of everyday items such as over-the-counter medicine, groceries, pet supplies, baby products, prepared foods and alcohol in some states using more than 500 micro-fulfillment centers in 1,000 cities.

Last season, the Suns landed in Houston and had a day off before they played the Rockets. Chris Paul wanted to share a bottle of wine with teammates that night so when the plane touched down, he ordered from the delivery service Gopuff.

By the time Paul and his teammates arrived at the hotel, the wine was there.

Paul will have more opportunities to treat his teammates this season. After helping lead the Suns to the NBA Finals, he signed a four-year, $120 million contract to remain with Phoenix.

“It was an easy decision,” Paul said. “Not only did I love the basketball aspect, I’m close to family (in Los Angeles) and Phoenix is a family, too. I’m excited to be back there.”

Now, the Suns face the challenge of trying to win the West again in a deep, talented conference.

“The thing I’m looking forward to now is our approach to the every day,” he said. “You don’t start the season and get to automatically end up at the Finals again. It’s another building process, and I’m excited about going through this experience with these guys because I went as far (in the playoffs) as I’ve ever been. We’ll be on this journey of something new together."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chris Paul, Gopuff team up to assist underrepresented businesses