By Aaron Allen, The Seattle Medium
Black-Owned Business Excellence (BOBE), in partnership with The Seattle Public Library, is accepting nominations for the Seventh Annual Community and Business Leadership Awards. The deadline for submissions is Friday, Nov. 21. Nominations are open to individuals and organizations that exemplify Black business leadership, innovation, and community impact across Washington state.
BOBE, a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) organization, formed in 2020 as a collaborative of minority-owned businesses, organizations, and individuals. Since its inception, it has worked to support, educate, inspire, and elevate businesses owned by historically underserved entrepreneurs. The inaugural BOBE Symposium was held during Black History Month in Tacoma in 2020, gathering successful business owners, technical resource partners, and the broader community to share knowledge and build networks.
“So Black-Owned Business Excellence, that’s BOBE. We are a volunteer-led organization. We are a collaborative effort that brings together organizations, entrepreneurs, resource partners and community leaders committed to supporting historically underserved businesses in Washington state,” said Jenefeness Franke of Black-Owned Business Excellence. “So, our mission is to help create a more equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem in Washington state.”
Jay Lyman, program manager for entrepreneur and nonprofit support at The Seattle Public Library, said the library’s collaboration with BOBE reflects a shared commitment to supporting Black-owned businesses and advancing equity through access to resources.
“We love working with Black-Owned Business Excellence, and I learned about the organization not long after the very start in 2020 and have been involved in supporting the event over the years, the symposium specifically, but some of the other events as well too,” said Lyman. “We enjoy being partners with BOBE on the symposium because it’s really a way that we can connect with community members who learn about other services and programs that we have to support people who are starting and growing businesses.”
“We share those values of those communities and offer support so that those communities can start those businesses, grow those businesses and build wealth in their communities,” added Lyman.
BOBE’s Community and Business Leadership Awards honor individuals and organizations who embody its mission of advancing Black business growth, closing the wealth gap, and creating generational change through leadership and collaboration. There are seven award categories, each celebrating different types of contributions to Black-owned business success and empowerment. Six of the seven awards include a $1,000 grant. Winners will be recognized at the Seventh Annual Black-Owned Business Excellence Symposium, which takes place Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026.
Award categories include:
• The Rising Visionary Award (Youth/Young Adult)
This award recognizes Black entrepreneurs age 25 and under who are building businesses, wealth, and awareness in their communities. These young leaders are turning vision into action and demonstrating that excellence and impact are not limited by age.
• The Elijah L. Lewis “Boundless Advocate” Award
Named in honor of Elijah L. Lewis, this award celebrates a community leader who champions Black progress with unwavering purpose. These advocates expand boundaries, take action, and push for collective advancement wherever they go.
• The Trailblazer Award (Start-Up on the Move)
Awarded to a Black-owned business under two years old, this honor recognizes innovation, resilience and measurable impact. These emerging businesses are breaking barriers and redefining success.
• The Ecosystem Champion Award (Black-Owned Advocate)
This award honors a Black entrepreneur, advocate, or leader who brings resources, access, programming, and policy support to Black-owned businesses. These individuals are connectors, opening doors and creating sustainable pathways for growth.
• The Lewis Rudd Legacy in Business Award (Long-Standing Business)
Named after Lewis Rudd, this award is given to a Black-owned business that has been operating for 10 or more years. These businesses represent resilience, adaptability, and commitment, having endured economic and social challenges while continuing to thrive.
• The Living Legacy Award (Community Elder)
Presented to an elder or lifelong advocate whose leadership, mentorship, and dedication have laid the groundwork for future generations. This individual exemplifies long-term impact and service, reinforcing the theme “From Vision to Legacy.”
• The Ally in Action Award (Black-Owned Ally)
This non-monetary award recognizes a non-Black individual, partner, agency or organization that actively uses their voice, influence, and resources to support the Black business community. These allies work in true partnership to remove barriers and foster equity.
Franke emphasized the power of recognition and the role that community nominations can play in uplifting Black businesses.
“The thing that I would definitely want folks to know is that anyone can be nominated. Anyone can be nominated, and also nominating someone is like saying, I see you, I appreciate you, your work matters,” said Franke. “While I can’t personally give you $1,000, I’m gonna nominate you for this opportunity to receive $1,000, and that can go a long way for a small business.”
Nominations can be submitted online at http://bit.ly/43ExomJ by anyone in the community and are open to individuals, entrepreneurs, business owners, advocates, organizations, and allies working in service of Black business success across the state.
For those looking to spotlight a changemaker or acknowledge the impact of a Black-owned business or advocate, the Community and Business Leadership Awards provide a platform to say “thank you” in a meaningful way. The awards recognize not only business success, but also vision, mentorship, advocacy, and collaborative spirit — all of which are essential to building lasting Black business excellence in Washington state.
