The Phoenix Suns and FirstBank today announced the launch of the FirstBank Empowerment Awards, a season-long program designed to strengthen marginalized communities through economic empowerment. The program expands on the Los Suns Small Business MVP Award that the Suns started in 2018 and provides a financial grant and marketing value to deserving minority-owned small businesses across the Valley.

Throughout the 2022-2023 season, the Suns are encouraging small business owners in Arizona to apply for the opportunity to receive a $5,000 grant courtesy of FirstBank, a feature on the Suns website and social media platforms and on-court recognition at a Phoenix Suns game.

“We are thrilled to recognize local businesses making a positive impact in the Valley,” said Humphrey Shin, FirstBank Phoenix Market President. “Uplifting all communities, especially those that have been historically underserved, is part of our core mission. We know minority-owned businesses often face economic barriers and unequal access to resources, and we’re committed to changing that narrative. Expanding our partnership with the Phoenix Suns and Mercury to reward and champion even more minority-owned businesses is one of many ways we’re hoping to accomplish that.” 

A total of six small businesses will be selected throughout the season including:

Los Suns Small Business MVP

Dedicated to serving Latino-owned small businesses in Arizona.

Nominations Due: December 15

ORIGINATIV Entrepreneur Award

Dedicated to serving Native American-owned small businesses in Arizona.

Nominations Due: November 30

Dedicated to serving Black-owned small businesses in Arizona.

Nominations Due: December 29

Dedicated to serving woman-owned small businesses in Arizona.

Nominations Due: February 1

Dedicated to serving LGBTQ+-owned small business in Arizona.

Dedicated to serving Asian American and Pacific Islander-owned small businesses in Arizona.

Nominations Due: April 13

Since partnering with the Suns in 2019, FirstBank has donated more than $100,000 to the local community through donations to non-profit organizations and small business grants. The launch of the FirstBank Empowerment Awards adds five small business grants throughout the Suns season as well as the inaugural Phoenix Mercury EntrepreneuHER Award last season.

Learn more about the FirstBank Empowerment Awards and nominate a local small business HERE. 

The Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury are proud to support Arizona’s diverse communities. The Suns and Mercury are committed to building a culture both on and off the court where everyone belongs and can be celebrated. Both organizations continue to uplift the small businesses, artists and creators who offer inspiration and drive the culture that makes Phoenix home. Learn more about the Suns’ and Mercury’s diversity efforts at Suns.com/diversity.