Nominations Are Now Open for the 2026 Best of Black Business Awards
The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder has launched nominations for its Second Annual Best of Black Business Awards, accepting submissions through June 30 across five categories, with community voting running July 1 through Aug. 31 and winners celebrated at a live ceremony on Nov. 7, 2026.
Today marks the launch of nominations for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder’s Second Annual Best of Black Business Awards, and we want to hear from you.
Do you know a Black-owned business that deserves recognition? Starting today, June 1, you can nominate your favorites across five categories. Nominations are open through June 30, 2026, at midnight.
How It Works
The Best of Black Business Awards moves through two phases before culminating at a live awards ceremony on Nov. 7, 2026.
Phase 1 is nominations, open now through June 30. Nominators may submit one nomination per category per day using a valid email address. The top 10 businesses with the most nominations in each category advance to the voting stage.
Phase 2 is community voting, running July 1 through Aug. 31. Voters can cast one vote per day for their favorites. Winners will be announced and celebrated at the Best of Black Business Awards on Nov. 7, 2026.
Categories
Nominations and voting are open in five categories: Food and Drink, Hair and Nails, Health and Wellness, Retail and Merchandise, and Professional Services, which includes carpet layers, lawyers, accountants, handymen, marketing services, and more.
What Winners Receive
Winners will receive a Best of Black Business 2026 winner plaque, two months of print advertising in the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, one month of digital banner ads on MSR’s website, one dedicated social media post across MSR platforms, recognition at the Nov. 7 awards ceremony, and feature consideration in the Spokesman-Recorder.
Eligibility
To qualify, businesses must be at least 51% Black-owned, have a physical location, and maintain an active website. Businesses may be nominated in only one category per year. MSR staff and their immediate families are not eligible to participate. Duplicate, fraudulent, or automated submissions may be disqualified at the discretion of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.
Submit your nomination now and help shine a light on the Black-owned businesses that make our community thrive.
Nominate now at https://spokesman-recorder.com/best-black-owned-businesses/