Applications, Nominations and Judge Interest Now Open for 2026 Black in Business Awards

Applications and Nominations are Now Open for the 2026 Black in Business Awards!

Now in our second year, the Black in Business Awards celebrates established Black-owned businesses that are creating opportunity, driving economic growth, and making a lasting impact throughout Montgomery County.

This year’s theme, Building Legacy Through Entrepreneurship, recognizes that entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful ways individuals create economic mobility, strengthen communities, and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

Whether you’re building a thriving business or know one that deserves to be recognized, we invite you to take part in this year’s awards season.

Are You Eligible?

Businesses must:

• Be registered and listed in Montgomery County’s Black Business Database
• Generate a minimum of $250,000 in annual revenue
• Have been operating for at least three years

2026 Award Categories

🏆 Best Hospitality Award
Recognizing innovation and excellence in the hospitality industry.

🏆 Best Consumer Products & Services Company Award
Recognizing innovation and excellence in product and service design and delivery.

🏆 Government Contractor Excellence Award (GovCon)
Recognizing outstanding performance in government contracting.

🏆 IT Solutions Excellence Award
Recognizing leadership in IT innovation and technological advancement.

🏆 Professional Services Trailblazer Award
Recognizing leadership in professional services.

🏆 Scalable Community Impact Award *NEW*
Recognizing Black-owned businesses creating lasting community value through models with the potential to grow, replicate, or inspire others.

Apply Today

https://www.cognitoforms.com/MBAGrowthPartners/BlackInBusinessAwards2026Application

Nominate a Business

https://www.cognitoforms.com/MBAGrowthPartners/BlackInBusinessAwards2026NominationForm

Applications and nominations close on July 26, 2026. Deadline extended to August 5th!

Join us as we celebrate the entrepreneurs and businesses that are building lasting legacies through innovation, leadership, and community impact.

We look forward to recognizing another outstanding class of Black-owned businesses at the 2026 Black in Business Awards on November 19, 2026.

Serve as a Judge for the 2026 Black in Business Awards

We’re seeking experienced business leaders, executives, entrepreneurs, and community champions to serve as judges for the 2026 Black in Business Awards. Judges play a vital role in evaluating applicants with fairness, insight, and integrity while helping celebrate businesses that are driving innovation, economic growth, and lasting community impact. Judge interest forms must be submitted by July 20, 2026.

https://www.cognitoforms.com/MBAGrowthPartners/BIB2026JudgingCommitmentForm