Business Impact Awards Event Canceled Due to Hurricane
Get ready to join us at the
49th Annual Business Impact Awards!
Friday, September 27, 2024
Armature Works, Tampa, Florida
Through these awards, FSMSDC recognizes the achievements of Florida’s top minority-owned businesses, as well as dynamic industry leaders and major corporations committed to supplier diversity.
Meet The Co-Hosts
Kirk Gimenez
Founder/Host
Xizzle TV
Kirk Gimenez is a two-time Emmy Award winner, founder of Xizzle TV and the first Latino to be hired to anchor in English in the history of ESPN. With nearly 30 years of experience as a journalist, he’s also anchored at SNY in New York and produced at our local stations WPLG, WSFL & WTVJ. In 2021 he became the founder and host of Xizzle TV, a smart TV streaming app, dedicated to making content for Latinos in English.
Sherrel Sampson
Founder and CEO
Canviiy
about The Business Impact Awards
The Business Impact Awards (BIA) is the Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council’s (FSMSDC) signature fundraising event. Through these awards, FSMSDC recognizes the achievements of Florida’s top minority-owned businesses, as well as dynamic industry leaders and major corporations committed to supplier diversity. This evening of honors and elegance brings together Florida’s business community while raising funds to tackle the systemic inequities Florida’s minority entrepreneurs face in access to funding, social capital, entrepreneurial development and contracting opportunities and gives minority-owned businesses the connections, training, certifications and tools they need to thrive and grow. Most of the services we provide are free or subsidized – paid for by donations and grants.
By supporting the Business Impact Awards, you help FSMSDC accomplish its goal of serving more than 5,000 businesses each year – many of them small businesses that could not afford to pay for our free and subsidized services. Because of FSMSDC’s work, more minority entrepreneurs are able to support their families, lift their economic status and achieve financial independence. Their success has a multiplier effect in their communities, helping to further economic equality.
Your support is incredibly effective.
We invite you to become a 2024 Business Impact Sponsor for this fun-filled and unforgettable night. This is the perfect opportunity for you to place your brand in front of business and community leaders and show your support for minority-owned businesses.
The Business Impact Awards salute the outstanding work and commitment of leaders and achievers in our community. As a sponsor, you will join an esteemed circle of partners who have offered their time, talent and treasure to the success of our signature event and of minority-owned companies. Further, you will partner with an agency that has close to 50 years of experience providing minority-owned businesses with high-quality technical assistance, procurement opportunities, access to financing and other services that develop their capacity and advance their revenue.
Guests at the event will celebrate the achievements of businesses and individuals who are shaping Florida’s future and furthering business opportunities for all. They’ll enjoy entertainment and, of course, a few surprises. Awards presented during the evening will include Local & National Corporations of the Year, MBE Suppliers of the Year, Advocate of the Year, Buyer of the Year, President’s Rising Star Award, Larry Thelmas MBE-to-MBE Spend Award, Crystal Award and the Doing Well While Doing Good® Humanitarian Award.
Event Features
Awards Program | Entertainment
The Business Impact Awards is an exciting opportunity for business, community, and civic leaders to come together, celebrate accomplishments, network and have fun!
The Awards
Corporations of the Year
This award is presented to a local and national corporation. The corporation of the Year demonstrates commitment to minority purchasing, technical & managerial assistance and support of minority programs.
Suppliers of the Year
This is the highest award presented to a certified FSMSDC Minority Business Enterprise (MBE). The winners of the Supplier of the Year Awards consistently provide quality products and services and strives to give back to minority businesses and the community.
Larry Thelmas
MBE to MBE
Spend Award
The MBE to MBE Spend Award honors Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) who are doing business with other MBEs.
Buyer of the Year
The Buyer of the Year is presented to a corporate purchasing agent or buyer who actively solicits qualified MBEs and makes substantial purchases from those suppliers.
Advocate of the Year
This Advocate of the Year award is presented to an individual who has contributed to minority business development and seeks to promote the Council’s mission of fostering minority business development.
Windell Paige DWWDG Humanitarian Award
The Doing Well While Doing Good® (DWWDG) Humanitarian Award recognizes companies for their civic, philanthropic and volunteer initiatives.
Larry Thelmas MBE to MBE
Spend Award
The MBE to MBE Spend Award honors Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) who are doing business with other MBEs.
President's Rising Star Award
The President's Rising Star Award is presented to an individual or company that is committed to supplier diversity or has excelled in business growth. The President & CEO of the FSMSDC selects the recipient of this award.
Crystal Award
This award is presented to a business leader that is committed to minority business development and the community.
Celebrate Our 2023 Winners
Award Nominations
Corporate Nominations
Corporations cannot nominate themselves; Only Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) can make these nominations. All nominees must be an active Corporate Member.
Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Nominations
MBEs cannot nominate themselves or other MBEs; Only Corporate Members can make these nominations. All nominees must be a Certified MBE with the FSMSDC or any other NMSDC Affiliate Council.
Celebratory Event
Starting at 6:30 PM
Cocktail Reception
Welcome Remarks
Awards Ceremony
Recognition and Acknowledgements
Dancing to the sounds of DJ Mack
Program Book
Purchase an ad in the Business Impact Awards Digital Program Book.
Awards Gala Photo Gallery
Take a look at our previous Annual Awards Gala photos! These photos capture the essence of previous Award Galas, our sponsors, winners and distinguished guests.
