Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
How to nominate, vote + celebrate Birmingham’s top minority business leaders
Reading time: 4 minutes
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Birmingham is home to some of the most creative, innovative and resilient minority business leaders. Now, it’s time to honor these incredible individuals at the Minority Business Awards, presented by SummitMedia on May 8.
The exciting part? You can nominate and vote for the finalists this April.
Keep reading to find out more and get your tickets.
2025 Minority Business Awards event details
- When: Thursday, May 8 | 6:30-9PM
- Where: The Club, Inc, 1 Robert S Smith Drive Birmingham, AL 35209
- Cost:
- $150, Includes access to cocktail reception, dinner + awards ceremony
- Tables are also available for purchase
- Tickets
Recognizing 550+ minority business leaders in Birmingham
The Minority Business Awards is an annual event that recognizes the achievements and contributions of minority business leaders in Birmingham.
This year marks the 19th anniversary of the initiative, during which it has honored over 550 minority business leaders and presented more than 167 awards.
How are these leaders chosen? There are two ways:
1. LAUNCH, a panel-led pitch competition
2. Public nominations + voting
Here’s a close look:
LAUNCH
Created by the Minority Business Awards and The Urban League of Alabama, LAUNCH is a start-up competition that gives local entrepreneurs the opportunity to present their business or product to a panel of judges.
Winners receive:
- A $5,000 grant to support brand development
- $5,000 in advertising on local radio stations WBHK, WBHJ + WAGG
- A scholarship to the Alabama Urban League’s Entrepreneurship Center
It sounds a bit like Shark Tank, doesn’t it? We think it’s even better because this competition happens in our Magic City and elevates Birmingham’s entrepreneurs.
Here’s how one of last year’s winners was impacted by the program:
“Winning the 2024 Minority Business Awards has been a transformative milestone for GLAAM Cosmetics. This recognition affirms our commitment to empowering women through beauty and resilience, elevating our brand’s credibility and expanding our reach.
These accolades have unlocked new opportunities, proving that purpose-driven businesses can thrive while making a lasting impact.”
Jeddie Carnes, Owner, GLAAM Cosmetics
Public voting
Winners of the 2024 Minority Business Awards in Birmingham. (SummitMedia)
Who are the nominees you get to vote for this year? It’s up to you to decide!
Here’s how it works:
- Submit your nomination by April 11.
- Award categories include Entrepreneur of the Year, Diversity and Inclusion Leader of the Year, Icon of the Year + more. See the full list.
- Cast your vote April 14-20.
- Winners are chosen by the Minority Business Awards panel + announced on May 8 at The Club.
What to expect during the Minority Business Awards in Birmingham, May 8
Along with a lively award ceremony, here’s what else you can expect during the event:
- Cocktail hour + seated dinner
- Host Buck Wilde, 95.7 Jamz Nationally Syndicated Afternoon Radio Personality
You’ll also hear from keynote speaker Charlotte Shaw, two-time Minority Business Awards Executive of the Year Winner and Executive Director and CEO of Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority.
“This awards ceremony holds more meaning than ever—reminding us to keep pushing, striving and claiming our seat at the table. When minority voices unite, the magic happens. Together, we rise, and together, we lead.”
Charlotte Shaw, Executive Director + CEO, Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority
Nominate, vote and cheer on Birmingham’s top entrepreneurs during the 2025 Minority Business Awards on May 8.
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