Current print subscribers can create a free account by clicking here
Otherwise, follow the link below to join.
To Our Valued Readers –
Visitors to our website will be limited to five stories per month unless they opt to subscribe. The five stories do not include our exclusive content written by our journalists.
For $6.99, less than 20 cents a day, digital subscribers will receive unlimited access to YourValley.net, including exclusive content from our newsroom and access to our Daily Independent e-edition.
Our commitment to balanced, fair reporting and local coverage provides insight and perspective not found anywhere else.
Your financial commitment will help to preserve the kind of honest journalism produced by our reporters and editors. We trust you agree that independent journalism is an essential component of our democracy. Please click here to subscribe.
Need to set up your free e-Newspaper all-access account? click here.
Non-subscribers
Click here to see your options for becoming a subscriber.
Register to comment
Click here create a free account for posting comments.
Note that free accounts do not include access to premium content on this site.
I am anchor
BUSINESS
Nominations open for Phoenix Suns, FirstBank empowerment award
Grants, support give boost to minority-owned businesses
(Photo provided by FirstBank)
The Nizhóní Soap Company, of Mesa, is a previous winner of the Entrepreneur Award through the FirstBank Empowerment Awards program.
Posted
TO SUBMIT
What: FirstBank Empowerment Awards
Category: Los Suns Small Business MVP
Nominations: Open to Hispanic and Latino-owned businesses in Arizona.
Submission Deadline: Tuesday, Oct. 31
More Information: suns.com/empowerment
Special to Independent Newsmedia
FirstBank and the Phoenix Suns are partnering for the return of the FirstBank Empowerment Awards.
This season-long initiative aims to strengthen marginalized communities by providing financial grants and marketing support to minority-owned businesses across the Valley.
“We know minority-owned businesses often face disparities, especially when it comes to accessing resources that can help with business growth,” Humphrey Shin, FirstBank Phoenix market president, shared in a press release. “We hope this program helps bolster historically underserved businesses and advances diversity, equity, and inclusion across Arizona communities.”
Applications are welcome for the Los Suns Small Business MVP category, which recognizes Hispanic and Latino-owned businesses in Arizona. Submission deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 31.
Throughout the 2023–2024 season, FirstBank and the Suns invite small business owners in Arizona to apply for the opportunity to receive a $5,000 grant courtesy of FirstBank. Winners will also receive exposure through FirstBank and the Suns’ online and social media channels and on-court recognition during a Suns game.
A total of six small businesses will be selected throughout the season, each corresponding to a specific category:
Los Suns Small Business MVP
Nominations are open to Hispanic and Latino-owned businesses in Arizona.
Entry Period: Through Tuesday, Oct. 31
ORIGINATIV Entrepreneur Award
Nominations are open to Native American-owned businesses in Arizona.
Entry Period: Nov. 1–Nov. 30
Black Excellence Award
Nominations are open to Black-owned businesses in Arizona.
Entry Period: Dec. 1–Dec. 29
EntrepreneuHER Award
Nominations are open to woman-owned businesses in Arizona.
Entry Period: Jan. 4–Feb. 1, 2024
Business of Pride Award
Nominations are open to LGBTQ+-owned businesses in Arizona.
Entry Period: Feb. 8–March 8, 2024
AAPI Business Award
Nominations are open to Asian American and Pacific Islander-owned businesses in Arizona.
Entry Period: March 13–April 13, 2024
Since partnering with the Phoenix Suns and Mercury in 2019, FirstBank has contributed more than $130,000 to the local community through donations to nonprofit organizations and small business grants.
In addition, the bank financed more than $400 million across 1,100 minority families and businesses through its Multicultural Banking Centers and regularly hires customers for its events and promotions.
