Nominations open early 2027
Know a young person who's already in business? Put their name forward.
Entrepreneur Recognition celebrates young
entrepreneurs of color, age 25 and under, in Buffalo
and Niagara Falls who are already building
something real.
Tell me when nominations open
We’ll only use this to tell you about Empower716.
Who it's for
Young entrepreneurs of color, age 25 and under, who are
already running a business. It does not have to be big. A
braiding chair with a waiting list counts. So does a clothing
line sold out of a trunk, or a food table that sells out every
Saturday.
Who can nominate
teachers, counselors, coaches, pastors, family members, mentors, business owners, and anyone in the community who has watched a young person build something. Young people cannot nominate themselves; every honoree is put forward by someone who knows their work.
What honorees receive
Public recognition at the Empower716 celebration on Saturday, April 24, 2027
The opportunity to earn a Business Investment for an approved business need
A place in the Growth Series & Alumni Network
How it works
1
Get on the list now.
We will tell you the day
nominations open.
2
Nominate.
Tell us who they are and what
they are building, in about 150
words.
3
We reach out.
The nominee gets an invitation to
complete their part.
2
Celebrate.
Honorees are announced ahead of
the April 24 celebration.
Meet past honorees
All honorees
Dennis Wilson Jr. Entrepreneurial Spirit Award
Special Recognition Awards