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.

Visit suns.com/empowerment.