Introducing the Arkansas Latino Business Awards

Nominations Open Today

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The first Arkansas Latino Business Awards gala will be held on Sept. 28 at the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock.

The awards program, organized by the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center and the Arkansas Business Navigator, will recognize and celebrate the achievements of Latino-owned small businesses and Latino entrepreneurs across the state of Arkansas.

The event will showcase the accomplishments of these small businesses and will serve as a networking opportunity for business owners. The event will also serve as a platform to highlight the contributions of Latino entrepreneurs to the Arkansas business community.

"We are excited to host the first Arkansas Latino Business Awards to recognize the outstanding achievements of Latino-owned small businesses in Arkansas," said Laura Fine, state director of the ASBTDC. "This event is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of the Latino community to the economic growth and development of Arkansas."

The awards ceremony will feature several award categories, including Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year, Woman-owned Small Business of the Year, LGBTQ-OWNED Small Business of the Year, Community Support and Leadership of the Year, Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Best Food Truck (People’s Choice), Non-profit Organization of the Year, and Premio ALBA.

All businesses in the state of Arkansas that are at least 51% Latino owned or operated are eligible to be nominated for an ALBA award.

Nominations for the awards open May 15 and can be submitted on the event website, www.arlatinoawards.org. Award descriptions can also be found at the website.

The deadline for nominations is Monday, July 10, at 12 p.m.

"We encourage all Latino-owned businesses and entrepreneurs in Arkansas to nominate for the awards and showcase their achievements," said Diego Morales Ibarra, ABN coordinator. "This is a great opportunity to gain recognition and visibility for your business, as well as connect with other entrepreneurs in the Latino community."

A Facebook page, facebook. com/ Arlatinoawards, will share news and updates.

Businesses interested in sponsoring the first Arkansas Latino Business Awards should contact Morales at (501) 804-6771 or dmoralesiba@ualr.edu for more information.

About Arkansas Business Navigator

Arkansas Business Navigator (ABN) is a program of the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center and is funded in part through a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration. ABN seeks to assist small businesses and entrepreneurs in minority, rural, and other underserved communities across the state and reduce barriers that all small businesses, including those from underrepresented and underserved groups, often face in accessing critical support. For more information on the Arkansas Business Navigator program, please visit arbusinessnavigator.com.