FirstBank and the Phoenix Suns announced the opening of the remaining nominations for the 2024-25 Small Business Empowerment Awards. The 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.
Small business owners in Arizona are invited to apply for a $5,000 grant. Six deserving minority-owned small businesses will be recognized and will receive exposure through FirstBank and Suns social media channels and on-court recognition during a Phoenix Suns game.
The program includes six award categories, including Black Excellence Award, Los Suns Small Business MVP, Originativ Entrepreneur Award and AAPI Entrepreneur Award, all of which were open for nominations in 2024; and EntrepreneuHER Award, nominations open to woman-owned businesses Jan. 3-16; Business of Pride Award, nominations open to LGBTQ+-owned businesses in Arizona, Jan. 17-30.
Since partnering with the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury in 2019, FirstBank has contributed more than $160,000 to nonprofit organizations and small business grants. For additional information, visit www.suns.com/empowerment.
