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ASCENSION AWARDS

NOMINATION 2026

The Ascension Awards are presented annually to recognize Black businesses, business leaders and individuals who have ascended to greatness in their area of expertise. The business must be located in Palm Beach County, while the business leader or individual must also work in local business. The recipient’s efforts must show a demonstrated impact within the Black business community of Palm Beach County.

Nomination Period July 1-Aug 14, 2026

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Nomination Guidelines

Nominations must be submitted by a third party
Nominees may NOT self-nominate
Nominees may NOT be nominated if they have won
an Ascension Award within the last five years
Nominees may NOT be nominated in more than one category
Preference will be given to Black Chamber Member in good standing
Members of the Black Chamber Board of Directors, Young Professionals Board of Directors or Resource Development Committee, or Ascension Awards Committee are NOT eligible to be nominated

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Award Categories

1

Nonprofit/Public Organization of the Year – presented to a nonprofit or public organization that does an outstanding job of utilizing its available resources to advocate, educate, provide resources, and otherwise help grow and support Black-owned businesses and/or the Black community in Palm Beach County.

2

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

3

Distinguished Black Business of the Year – presented to a business that exemplifies 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 five or more years of business operation.

4

Young Business Professional of the Year – 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 life of others. The nominee need not be the business owner.

5

Corporation of the Year – presented to a business that demonstrates outstanding economic support for Black businesses. The corporation substantially contributes to the economic vitality, and overall advancement, of Black business through job creation and expansion of opportunities.

6

Dicky Sykes Social Justice Advocate Award – presented to an individual who works to ensure fairness and equality as the core principle in business practices, The individual’s work empowers and inspires businesses to increase opportunities for minority communities by embracing one, or more, of the four principles of social justice:
  1. Equity – advocating for policies that address systemic barriers 
  2. Access – advocating for unobstructed access to resources 
  3. Participation – advocating for opportunities for citizens   to participate in policy making that affects their well-being
  4. Rights – advocating for basic human rights that grant freedom of speech, voting rights or criminal justice protections