The Black Owned Business of the Year award celebrates the pinnacle of excellence among Birmingham's Black Owned businesses. Being the award of the night, recognising the best of brum! it is one of the highest accolades and will be presented to a business that has demonstrated outstanding all-around achievement, including exceptional business practices, innovative strategies, and a proven track record of consistent contributions to their industry. This award recognises the determination, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence that are the hallmarks of successful Black Owned businesses in Birmingham. Eligible businesses include all registered or operating Black Owned businesses in Birmingham.

The Birmingham Icon award recognises a unique individual who has made an exceptional and lasting impact on the Black Birmingham community. This special recognition award is given to an individual who is proud of their Brummie roots and has dedicated themselves to advancing and empowering the Black community in Birmingham. The recipient of this award is recognised as a true icon and role model, and has contributed significantly to the progress, growth, and success of the Black community in Birmingham.

The Birmingham Heritage award is a lifetime achievement award that recognises an individual who has made a lasting and meaningful impact on the Black community of Birmingham. This award is not necessarily tied to a specific industry, but is given to an individual who has consistently made significant, innovative, and cumulatively outstanding contributions to the Black community of Birmingham. The recipient of this award is a true role model who has dedicated themselves to improving the lives of others and has a legacy in Birmingham. Their unwavering commitment to the community has made them a symbol of hope and progress for future generations.

The Business Person of the Year award recognises an individual working at any level within a Black Owned business based in Birmingham, who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and contributed significantly to their organisation or industry. This award celebrates individuals who go above and beyond their expected roles to make a positive impact on their organisation, community, and the wider Birmingham business landscape. The recipient of this award is recognised as a leader and a role model who has demonstrated excellence in business acumen, leadership, and innovation.

This award is ideal for corporate professionals in Black Owned businesses based in Birmingham.

The Entrepreneur of the Year award recognises individuals who have demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurship, creativity, and vision in bringing their own ideas to life. This award celebrates individuals who have shown a strong desire to succeed and have demonstrated the ability to innovate and create solutions in the face of challenges. The recipient of this award has shown the courage to take risks and the tenacity to see their ideas through to fruition. They are recognised as a leader and a role model in the entrepreneurial community of Birmingham. This award is ideal for individuals who have founded or co-founded a Black Owned business based in Birmingham.

The Educator of the Year award recognises outstanding contributions to education in Birmingham, through traditional, diverse, and innovative means. This award is ideal for individuals and organisations, including teachers, schools, training providers, workshop providers, mentors, coaches, and consultants, who have made a significant impact on the education and development of the Black community in Birmingham. The recipient of this award has shown a deep commitment to providing quality education and training to individuals and communities, and has demonstrated excellence in their approach to education. They are recognised as a leader and a role model in the education community of Birmingham.

The Inspirational Person of the Year award recognises an individual who has inspired others through their actions, achievements, and commitment to making a difference. This award is ideal for individuals who have made a significant impact on their community or business, and who have demonstrated exceptional courage, resilience, and determination in the face of challenges. The recipient of this award may not necessarily work in a specific field, but has done something significant to inspire others, both within their community or business and beyond. They are recognised as a leader and a role model who has used their platform to promote diversity and inclusion, advance social justice, and inspire others to achieve their full potential.

The Excellence in Media award recognises individuals or organizations who have made a significant impact in the field of media in Birmingham. This award celebrates excellence in media and honours those who have demonstrated exceptional creativity, innovation, and dedication to their craft. The recipient of this award has contributed to the broader media landscape through their work and has made a lasting impact on their audience and community. This award is ideal for journalists, presenters, podcasters, radio DJs, editors, magazine publishers, newspaper writers, and anyone else who has demonstrated excellence in media in Birmingham. They are recognised as a leader and a role model in the media industry, and have set a high standard for others to follow.

The Excellence in Sports award recognises outstanding sports organisations or athletes who have excelled in their respective fields and demonstrated a commitment to excellence both on and off the field. The recipient of this award has not only achieved exceptional results in their sport, but has also served as a positive role model and contributed to the community through volunteer work or other activities. This category is ideal for sports organisations or individual athletes who have demonstrated exceptional athletic ability, achieved notable success in their chosen sport, and have also made a positive impact in their community. They are recognised as leaders and role models who have inspired others through their dedication, passion, and hard work in the world of sports.

The Excellence in Tech award recognises individuals or organisations in Birmingham who have demonstrated exceptional achievements and contributions in the field of technology. From innovative startups to established tech companies, this category celebrates those who have excelled in leveraging technology to drive progress and make a significant impact. The recipient of this award has shown outstanding skills, expertise, and creativity in areas such as software development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analytics, or any other technology-driven field. This category is ideal for tech professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, and organisations that have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the ever-evolving world of technology. The Excellence in Tech award recognises the important role that technology plays in shaping our society and applauds those who are driving change amongst the Black community whilst advancing the tech landscape in Birmingham.

The Young Entrepreneur of the Year award is presented to an individual 18 but under the age of 30 who has demonstrated outstanding entrepreneurship, creativity, and vision for the future. This award recognises the achievements of a young person who has successfully launched and grown a business, product, or service, demonstrating exceptional leadership skills and a drive to succeed. The recipient of this award has demonstrated a deep understanding of their market, developed innovative solutions, and made a significant impact on their industry. This category is ideal for young entrepreneurs who have overcome challenges, taken calculated risks, and achieved remarkable success in their ventures.

The Rising Star of the Year award is presented to an individual who has made a significant impact in their workplace or community within the last 12 months, and is poised to make a difference in their field in the years to come. This award recognises the achievements of an up-and-coming individual who has demonstrated exceptional talent, dedication, and potential, and has shown a strong commitment to achieving their goals. The recipient of this award may be new to their field, or may have taken on a new role or responsibility, but has already made a notable contribution to their organisation or community. This category is ideal for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, a drive to succeed, and a commitment to making a positive impact in their chosen field.

This category celebrates individuals or organisations who have demonstrated exceptional allyship towards the Black community in Birmingham, and have actively worked towards promoting diversity, inclusion, and social justice. The recipient of this award has gone above and beyond to support and amplify the voices of the Black community, and has shown a genuine commitment to driving positive change. This category is ideal for individuals or organisations who have demonstrated allyship through their actions, advocacy, and support, and who have played a significant role in advancing social justice and equality in Birmingham.

This award celebrates the most promising start-up businesses that have demonstrated exceptional growth, innovation, and resilience in their first year of operation. The recipient of this award has shown a clear vision for their business, a deep understanding of their market, and the ability to navigate challenges and seize opportunities. This category is ideal for start-ups that have achieved notable success in a short period of time, and have the potential for even greater success in the future.

This award recognises the outstanding achievements of a family-owned business in Birmingham. The recipient of this award has demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and resilience, while also maintaining strong family values and a commitment to their community. This category is ideal for family-owned businesses that have demonstrated exceptional growth, sustainability, and success, while also maintaining a strong family culture and a commitment to their employees, customers, and community.

This award recognises and celebrates the outstanding contributions of social enterprises, CICs, non-profits, and charities that are dedicated to making a positive impact in the Birmingham community. The recipient of this award has demonstrated exceptional creativity, innovation, and dedication in their efforts to address social and environmental challenges, while also contributing to the broader economic and social well-being of the community. This category is ideal for social enterprises that have demonstrated exceptional social impact, sustainability, and innovation, and have made a significant difference in the lives of the people they serve.

This award honours an individual who has made a significant and positive impact on their local community through their tireless efforts and dedication. The recipient of this award is someone who goes above and beyond to help others, regularly giving back and making a big difference in the lives of those around them. This category is ideal for community workers, outreach support, social workers, volunteers, and other individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their community and have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of those around them. The Community Hero award recognises the importance of community spirit and the role that individuals can play in making a difference in their local area.