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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

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

Sherrel Sampson is a charismatic, results-driven executive who founded Canviiy, an innovative, award-winning national health & wellness company. Sampson’s proven track record includes driving year-over-year growth for the company. In addition, Sampson has led the retail expansion of the Canviiy into over 6,000 Food/Drug/Mass retail stores & drives the sustainability of the business to improve the scalp and hair health of patients through leading healthcare institutions including Moffitt Cancer Center, City of Hope Cancer Center, Harris Health, and Bon Secours Mercy Health.

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.

Business Impact Awards
Digital Program Book

Business Impact Awards Event Cancellation Due to Hurricane

After Governor Ron DeSantis Executive Order (EO) 24-208, Emergency Management – Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, declaring a state of emergency in 41 Florida counties and considering the safety of our attendees, it is with a heavy heart that we inform you that the Business Impact Awards (BIA), scheduled for September 27, has been canceled due to hurricane Helene.

While we were all looking forward to celebrating the remarkable contributions of individuals like yourself, the safety of our guests and community is our highest priority.

We understand the disappointment and inconvenience this may cause, and we want to personally thank you for your understanding and support as we navigate this challenging situation. While we will miss the opportunity to gather together in person, please know that your achievements and impact are not diminished. They remain a source of inspiration, and we look forward to honoring them in the future.