We are excited to announce that Washington state Black-Owned Business Excellence (BOBE) is proud to launch the Eighth Annual Community and Business Leadership Awards — a signature celebration dedicated to recognizing and supporting the visionaries, innovators, and changemakers driving Black business excellence across Washington State.

We honor those who have made bold moves to expand opportunity, strengthen community, and build legacies that will inspire generations to come.

This is your opportunity to help us spotlight the entrepreneurs, community builders, and organizations who embody the spirit of innovation, influence, and impact. Whether you’re nominating yourself or someone else, we invite you to submit nominations for our financial grant and community leadership awards.

✨ About the Awards

These awards recognize individuals and organizations who exemplify the BOBE mission of helping to create a more equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem in WA state by advancing Black business growth, closing the wealth gap, and creating generational change through collaboration, leadership, and excellence in the following ways

• The Rising Visionary Award (Youth/Young Adult) - Recognizing young Black entrepreneurs (ages 25 and under) who are boldly building businesses, wealth, and awareness in their communities. These changemakers embody the Power Moves spirit — taking vision and turning it into action, proving that age is no barrier to excellence or impact.
• The Elijah L. Lewis “Boundless Advocate” Award - Named in honor of Elijah L. Lewis, this award celebrates a community leader who stands unwaveringly for Black people, progress, and purpose. They show up, speak out, and take action — expanding boundaries and pushing for collective advancement in every space they enter.
• The BOBE Business of the Year Award (Business Excellence) - Recognizing a Black-owned business that demonstrates outstanding overall business excellence, growth, leadership, and sustainability. This award celebrates a business that is delivering exceptional products or services, building a strong reputation, creating value, and positioning itself for continued success. Whether through measurable growth, operational excellence, customer impact, job creation, innovation, or market presence, this honoree demonstrates what it means to build and sustain an excellent Black-owned business. Because Black business excellence is, by itself, worthy of celebration.

• The Trailblazer Award (Start-Up on the Move) - Awarded to a Black-owned business under two years old that’s making major moves and measurable impact. These founders are redefining what’s possible through creativity, resilience, and innovation — blazing a trail toward generational wealth and legacy.
• The Ecosystem Champion Award (Black-Owned Advocate) - Honoring a Black entrepreneur, advocate, or leader who consistently brings resources, access, programming, and policy support to Black-owned businesses. They are the connectors — building bridges, creating opportunities, and ensuring Black businesses thrive beyond boundaries.
• The Lewis Rudd Legacy in Business Award (Long-Standing Business) - Named in honor of Lewis Rudd, this award recognizes a Black-owned business operating 10+ years that has withstood the tests of time — from economic challenges to social injustice — and continues to grow with excellence. This honoree represents the endurance, innovation, and influence that sustain our collective legacy.
• The Living Legacy Award (Community Elder) - Presented to a respected elder or lifelong advocate whose leadership, mentorship, and dedication have paved the way for future generations. Their vision, sacrifice, and service embody the essence of From Vision to Legacy — proving that power moves are not made overnight, but over lifetimes.
• The Ally in Action Award (Black-Owned Ally) - Recognizing a non-Black partner, agency, organization, or individual who actively uses their voice, influence, and resources to uplift and empower the Black business community. This ally doesn’t just stand beside us — they stand with us, breaking barriers and fostering equity through meaningful partnership. (Non-monetary award)

Finalists will be honored with a professional photoshoot and celebration during Elijah L. Lewis week on November 6, 2026. Winners will each receive a monetary grant and will be honored live at the
Eighth Annual Black-Owned Business Excellence Symposium on Monday, February 1, 2027

🚨 PLEASE NOTE: Do not nominate the same person or organization for multiple categories, this makes the selection process cumbersome. Your nomination responses may be shared or quoted in marketing materials and event promotions.

Together, let’s honor the power moves, bold leadership, and enduring legacies that make Washington’s Black business community thrive.

Innovate. Invest. Influence. Together we scale Black excellence for generations.