By Johanna-Rosalye Luna
PHOENIX, AZ – The Phoenix Suns are collaborating with FirstBank in the return of the FirstBank Empowerment Awards. This season-long initiative is designed to uplift marginalized communities through economic empowerment. This program builds upon the foundation established by the Los Suns Small Business MVP Award initiated by the team in 2018.
In previous seasons, the partnership between FirstBank and the Suns recognized eight minority-owned small businesses in the Valley, with each recipient receiving a $5,000 grant courtesy of FirstBank. Additionally, these businesses gained promotional recognition through Phoenix Suns marketing channels throughout their respective seasons.
Since their collaboration with the Suns in 2019, FirstBank has contributed over $130,000 to the local community through donations to non-profit organizations and small business grants.
Nominations are now open for a deserving small business to have a chance to win $5,000 and receive promotional recognition from the Suns this season. The Los Suns Small Business MVP Award highlights exceptional Hispanic small business owners and entrepreneurs contributing to the local economy. The “Originativ Entrepreneur Award” is dedicated to serving a Native American-owned small business in Arizona, while the “Black Excellence Award” recognizes a deserving Black-owned small business in the state. The “EntrepreneuHER Award” focuses on highlighting a woman-owned small business in Arizona, and the “Business of PRIDE Award” showcases a small business in the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, the “AAPI Entrepreneur Award” is dedicated to a deserving AAPI-owned small business in Arizona.
Furthermore, the Phoenix Suns, in collaboration with PayPal, have relaunched the “Support Our City” program, providing assistance to Arizona small businesses, with a specific emphasis on Latino-owned food and beverage establishments, including food trucks, restaurants, and catering companies. Recipients of this program will be featured at games at Footprint Center throughout the 2023-24 season and will receive a $5,000 grant along with recognition on Suns social media channels.
For more information and to submit nominations please visit suns.com/empowerment or suns.com/promotions.
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