Businesses Granted Powerhouse Economic Boost

Juan Ayala and Alexis Carbajal, co-founders of Phoenix Coqui, were presented with the 2024 Business of Pride Award (photo courtesy of Phoenix Suns).

FirstBank, in collaboration with the Phoenix Suns, concluded the second annual FirstBank Empowerment Awards this June.

This season-long initiative aimed to uplift marginalized communities, awarding $30,000 in financial grants and marketing support to minority-owned businesses across the Valley. The 2024 Empowerment Awards honored exemplary enterprises in various categories.

Among the winners were Notambox, receiving the Los Suns Small Business MVP Award; Phoenix Coqui, awarded the Business of Pride Award; and Big Red’s Hot Sauce, honored with the Black Excellence Award. Other recipients included Native Art Market for the ORIGINATIV Entrepreneur Award, Samurai Comics for the EntrepreneuHER Award, and Hannah Cho Beauty for the AAPI Business Award.

Learn more about the program at www.nba.com/suns/empowerment.