Presented to a nonprofit, or public organization, that does an outstanding job of utilizing available resources to advocate, educate, provide resources, and otherwise help grow and support Black-own businesses and Black communities in PBC.

Emerging Black Business of the Year Award (5 years or less of business operations) Presented to a business that exemplifies excellence in business operations, growth, and community involvement within Palm Beach County. The business may not be a franchised business. The business must have less than five years of operation.

Presented to a business that exemplified excellence in business operations, growth, and community involvement and has made a significant impact on the community and economic development base in Palm Beach County. The nominee may be a franchised business. The nominee must have more than 5 years of business operation.

YP – Presented to a businessperson under the age of 40 who has demonstrated leadership and professionalism in their field of work and has contributed to the success of the organization. The nominee should have a high level of integrity and values, show exceptional dedication to their profession, and have a zeal for enhancing the lives of others. The nominee need not be the business owner.

Presented to an individual who actively works to promote fairness and equity across many aspects within the Black and minority communities of Palm Beach County. This individual actively works to empower these communities through one or more of the four principles of social justice:

• Equity – advocating for policies that address systemic barriers
• Access – advocating for unobstructed access to resources
• Participation – advocating for opportunities for citizens to participate in policymaking that affects their well-being
• Rights – advocating for basic human rights that grant freedom of speech, voting rights, or criminal justice protections