FirstBank, one of the nation’s largest privately held banks with a focus on “banking for good,” and the Phoenix Suns announced the opening of nominations for the 2024-25 Small Business Empowerment Awards. This season-long initiative aims to strengthen marginalized communities by providing $30,000 in financial grants and marketing support to minority-owned businesses across the Valley.
“We are excited to partner again with the Phoenix Suns to bring back the Empowerment Awards for the third consecutive year,” said Joel Johnson, FirstBank East Valley Market President. “These awards recognize the accomplishments of minority-owned businesses and promote an inclusive and equitable business environment throughout the Valley.”
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Small business owners in Arizona are invited to apply for a $5,000 grant courtesy of FirstBank. Six deserving minority-owned small businesses will be recognized and will receive exposure through FirstBank and Suns social media channels, as well as on-court recognition during a Phoenix Suns game.
The program includes six award categories:
Black Excellence Award
Nominations are open to Black-owned businesses in Arizona.
Entry Period: December 2 – December 15
Los Suns Small Business MVP
Nominations are open to Hispanic and Latino-owned businesses in Arizona.
Entry Period: December 6 – December 20
EntrepreneuHER Award
Nominations are open to woman-owned businesses in Arizona.
Entry Period: January 3 – January 16
Business of Pride Award
Nominations are open to LGBTQ+-owned businesses in Arizona.
Entry Period: January 17 – January 30
Originativ Entrepreneur Award
Nominations are open to Native American-owned businesses in Arizona.
Entry Period: Closed
AAPI Entrepreneur Award
Nominations are open to Asian American and Pacific Islander-owned businesses in Arizona.
Entry Period: Closed
Empowerment Awards winners from the 2023-24 season included:
- Los Suns Small Business MVP Award: Notambox
- Business of Pride Award: Phoenix Coqui
- Black Excellence Award: Big Red’s Hot Sauce
- ORIGINATIV Entrepreneur Award: Native Art Market
- EntrepreneuHER Award: Samurai Comics
- AAPI Business Award: Hannah Cho Beauty
Since partnering with the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury in 2019, FirstBank has contributed over $160,000 to the local community through donations to nonprofit organizations and small business grants.
For additional information about the FirstBank Empowerment Awards and to nominate a local small business, please visit suns.com/empowerment.
