The Madison Black Chamber of Commerce will host its sixth annual Black Business Awards Dinner on Thursday, Feb. 22 at the Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center. The organization revealed the list of categories and the top nominees in each category for the awards event on Monday night.
The Madison Black Chamber of Commerce is committed to promoting economic empowerment and fostering a thriving business community for Black entrepreneurs throughout South Central Wisconsin.
This year’s awards program spotlights the exceptional achievements of some of the less often recognized Black-owned businesses in the greater Madison community. With a Black Hollywood vibe, the event will honor the “supporting players” in these 12 distinctive categories:
- SKINCARE CHAMPION AWARD: Recognizing businesses that produce and sell superlative skincare services or products, including creams, lotions, pomades, toners, and makeup.
- HAIRCARE TRAILBLAZER AWARD: Celebrating businesses that elevate the haircare industry, including hair care products and providers of specialized salon services, such as stylists, barbers, braiders, and locticians.
- BEAUTY INNOVATOR AWARD: Recognizing businesses that embody exceptional innovation and creativity in the beauty industry.
- WELLNESS & HOLISTIC EXCELLENCE AWARD: Uplifting businesses that contribute to community wellness, encompassing health products, services, fitness programs, nutritional services, and holistic products and services.
- STYLE & GRACE AWARD: Lauding businesses that help us dress to impress, including clothiers, vendors providing unique and fashionable outfits, and personal shoppers/stylists.
- PHENOMENAL POP-UP AWARD: Honoring a mobile vendor with outstanding ingenuity, consistency, and success in temporary retail spaces.
- RETAIL EXCELLENCE AWARD: Recognizing the resilience, resourcefulness, and customer service of the brick-and-mortar establishments that are the cornerstones of our communities.
- ENCHANTING ENTERTAINER AWARD: Saluting the actors, DJs, poets, singers, musicians, dancers, writers, comedians, and performers who bring richness to our lives.
- VIBRANT VISUAL ARTS AWARD: Paying homage to the artists, videographers, and photographers who bring beauty to our world.
- MEDIA MOGUL AWARD: Commending the media companies and content creators that advance and elevate issues vital to communities, in industries such as radio, film, news, books, magazines, social media, and podcasts.
- YOUTH ENTREPRENEUR: Shining a spotlight on the next generation of brilliant, innovative minds, nominees exhibit outstanding entrepreneurial spirit and achievement (nominees must 21 years old, or younger)
- PEOPLE’S CHOICE: This special accolade brings into focus businesses that embody Ebony Excellence, profoundly connecting, resonating, and vibing with their clients and community.
The top nominees in each category were announced live on the Chamber’s Facebook page on Monday, February 12. You can see the complete list here.
“We received 750 nominations for well deserving Black-owned businesses across south central Wisconsin and are pleased to share the top nominees with you,” said Chamber Operations Director Sharon Amani in a press release.
For tickets to the sixth annual Black Business Awards Dinner, click here.
